The mental health factors influencing academic performance of secondary school learnersin Gauteng

Abstract

Background: Regardless of additional resources provided in schools, academic performance has not improved, especially in non-affluent schools. Resources alone are not necessarily the only key to academic performance. Therefore, other factors that can affect learners' performance need to be explored. Learners in secondary school are at high risk of experiencing mental health problems that negatively influence academic performance. These learners are at a teenage developmental stage, which involves cognitive development, where they are still learning how to think logically and relate socially. However, in South Africa, no studies are reporting on the mental health factors that influence academic performance. Purpose of the study: This study aimed to explore and describe the mental health factors that influence the academic performance of secondary school learners. To gain an understanding of the common mental health factors that are perceived to influence the academic performance of learners. Research setting: The setting of this study was a Secondary School in Gauteng, South Africa. Research methods: This study adopted a qualitative approach with a qualitative, explorative, descriptive, and contextual design. The sample was purposefully selected from a population of grade 8 to 12 learners. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and saturation was reached at participant number 16. For the scoping review, the search terms mental health, academic performance, academic achievement, learner, adolescence, and education was used to search the following electronic databases: Psyche INFO, PubMed, CINAHL Plus, Scopus, and SABINET. Data analysis: Data was analysed thematically, and triangulated. Results: The findings of this research study revealed a range of mental health factors that have an influence on academic performance, organized into separate themes such as mental health factors, social factors, academic-related factors, and learners’ needs. Conclusion: The study provided insights into the mental health factors that impact on secondary school learners and their educational outcomes. These challenges, as expressed and recognized by learners themselves, can drastically hinder their performance in school.