Impact of Depression on Academic Performance

Abstract

This study aimed to explore depression as a determinant of the poor academic performance of undergraduate students. Using a predesigned questionnaire (based on the Beck Depression Inventory-II), the data was collected from graduate students in Karachi, Pakistan. The findings of the study revealed a significant influence of depression on the academic performance of graduate students. Students are not usually aware of psychological factors and mental illness that they might be facing and may not prioritize their mental health. This can further lead to a downward trend and may eventually cause bigger problems. Therefore, seminars and tests should be conducted at least once a year regarding mental illness and it should be enforced that students’ mental health is given priority within the premises of academic institutes.