Mental health and well-being, perceived academic stress, and dual enrollment students

Abstract

The mental health of students has decreased, representing a significant challenge to the institutions that serve them. Academic stress contributes to poor mental health and reduced well-being, which causes a myriad of other negative effects. One group of students that has been understudied regarding academic stress and mental health is dual enrollment students. Dual enrollment programs are growing in nearly every state, and while the academic benefits are well-documented, previous research has largely ignored students who are simultaneously enrolled in high school and in college. This study, therefore, aimed to compare the perceived academic stress and mental health and well-being of high school students, dual enrollment students, and college students at a Midwestern regional campus and the surrounding community.