coping and mental health among university student
The Journal of Mental Health Policy and Economics
J Ment Health Policy Econ 8, 145-151 (2005)
The Impact of Depression on the Academic
Productivity of University Students
Alketa Hysenbegasi,1 Steven L. Hass,2 Clayton R. Rowland3
1
2
Ph.D., VP - Associate Project Manager, Citigroup Market Monitor, New York, NY, USA
Ph.D., Director, Pharmacoeconomics, Elan Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
3
Ph.D., Hellums-Rowland Consultants, Portage, MI, USA
Abstract
Background: Depression is a common disorder that impacts an individual’s ability to perform life activities, including those required by the workplace. Academic performance can be viewed as a direct parallel to workforce performance, with students belonging to a unique set of individuals whose ability to perform can be measured on criteria applied by an observer and by self-report.
While the prevalence of depression for this group is high and preparation for entry into the workplace is critical for these individuals, this relationship has not been adequately investigated.
Aims of the Study: This study investigates the relationship between depression and its treatments and the academic performance of undergraduate students.
Methods: Data regarding academics, health and productivity for students from Western Michigan University were obtained from the
University’s Registrar’s Office, the campus Health Center and a survey delivered to the students. The primary outcomes of interest were the student’s grade point average (GPA), an objective, observer generated measure of academic productivity, and the students’ self-reported academic performance.
Results: Diagnosed depression was associated with a 0.49 point, or half a letter grade, decrease in student GPA, while treatment was associated with a protective effect of approximately 0.44 points.
The self-reported data regarding the impact of depression on the performance of academic tasks was consistent with these findings.
J Ment Health Policy Econ 8, 145-151 (2005)
The Impact of Depression on the Academic
Productivity of University Students
Alketa Hysenbegasi,1 Steven L. Hass,2 Clayton R. Rowland3
1
2
Ph.D., VP - Associate Project Manager, Citigroup Market Monitor, New York, NY, USA
Ph.D., Director, Pharmacoeconomics, Elan Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
3
Ph.D., Hellums-Rowland Consultants, Portage, MI, USA
Abstract
Background: Depression is a common disorder that impacts an individual’s ability to perform life activities, including those required by the workplace. Academic performance can be viewed as a direct parallel to workforce performance, with students belonging to a unique set of individuals whose ability to perform can be measured on criteria applied by an observer and by self-report.
While the prevalence of depression for this group is high and preparation for entry into the workplace is critical for these individuals, this relationship has not been adequately investigated.
Aims of the Study: This study investigates the relationship between depression and its treatments and the academic performance of undergraduate students.
Methods: Data regarding academics, health and productivity for students from Western Michigan University were obtained from the
University’s Registrar’s Office, the campus Health Center and a survey delivered to the students. The primary outcomes of interest were the student’s grade point average (GPA), an objective, observer generated measure of academic productivity, and the students’ self-reported academic performance.
Results: Diagnosed depression was associated with a 0.49 point, or half a letter grade, decrease in student GPA, while treatment was associated with a protective effect of approximately 0.44 points.
The self-reported data regarding the impact of depression on the performance of academic tasks was consistent with these findings.
References: 3. Murray CJ and Lopez AD. The global burden of disease. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization, 1996. Seventh edition. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press, 1997. 151 J Ment Health Policy Econ 8, 145-151 (2005)