THE IMPACT OF DEPRESSIVE AND ANXIETY SYMPTOMS ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AMONG UNDERGRADUATE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Objective: This systematic review explores the relationship between depression, anxiety, and academic performance among undergraduate college and university students.

Methods: Peer-reviewed articles published between 1997 and June 2020 were included if they: (a) were in English; (b) had a study population that was exclusively undergraduate students; (c) the study assessed depression and/or anxiety through standardized, validated measures; and (d) included an objective outcome measure of academic performance.

Results: Of 2,746 citations, 10 met the eligibility criteria, representing 14,695 participants. All six cross-sectional analyses and three of four longitudinal studies reported a negative relationship between depression and academic performance. Three cross-sectional analyses and one longitudinal study reported a negative relationship between anxiety and academic performance. This review support a consistent relationship between depression and academic performance, but less support for anxiety.

Conclusion: Depressive and anxiety symptoms have a significant impact on university students’ academic performance.