Dutch girls have experienced an “unprecedented decline in mental health” in recent years. This is what the researchers conclude in a report they will present to Queen Maxima on Wednesday.
According to the researchers, the percentage of girls with emotional problems in secondary education increased from 28 to 43 percent between 2017 and 2021. Among girls in group 8 it also increased, from 14 to 33 percent.
The data is contained in the Health Behavior in Schoolaged Children (HBSC) research report, conducted by researchers from Utrecht University, the Trimbos Institute and the Office of Social and Cultural Planning.
According to the research, the decline in mental health is likely related to the corona crisis. Mental health has also deteriorated among boys, but according to the researchers this is not in proportion to developments among girls.
“It’s absolutely worrying,” said researcher Gonneke Stevens NRC.
“Girls score higher on all the indicators we measure. They worry more, feel anxious and unhappy more often. We are also seeing an increase in the number of girls with psychosomatic disorders that can be caused by stress, such as headache. head and abdominal pain. “
In addition to the crown, the pressure on performance also causes more problems
Researchers see that the pressure to perform causes even more mental problems. “In 2001, 16 per cent of secondary education students reported experiencing a lot of pressure from schoolwork, in 2021 this increased to 45 per cent. Here, too, we see a more unfavorable development for girls than for guys, “the report reads.
According to the researchers, the fact that the crown appears to be under control doesn’t mean that all emotional problems will soon subside. “The pressure to perform, to get the highest degree possible, is deeply ingrained in our society,” researcher Gonneke Stevens tells NRC.
“There seems to be a stigma attached to pre-vocational secondary education and vocational training. We need to have a social discussion on that.” According to her, it should be easier for students to learn at their own pace and move on to another type of school,
–
