Implications For Mental Health Research Articles

Comparison of Perfectionism Between Music and Medical Students and its Association with Anxiety.

Perfection is a central goal for many musicians and health professionals. The present study compared perfectionism between music and medical students to examine whether perfectionism is adaptive or maladaptive and how it evolves during university studies. Furthermore, the association between perfectionism and anxiety was investigated in both populations to determine possible implications for mental and general health. 110 music students (61 F, avg age 23.2 yrs) and 281 medical students (209 F, avg age 23.3 yrs) took part in the study. Perfectionism was surveyed using two multidimensional perfectionism scales and anxiety was measured using the State-Trait-Anxiety-Inventory. Subscales and total scores of the perfectionism scales were compared within and between groups and correlated with the anxiety measures. Music and medical students did not differ in their level of perfectionism. However, music students in the early semesters showed significantly (p = 0.009) stronger maladaptive perfectionism (mean 0.3, SD 1.4) than students from more senior semesters (-0.3, 1.7). Musicians from early semesters also scored higher on "parental expectations and criticism" (p = 0.04), showed more "concerns over mistakes and doubts" (p = 0.009), and perfectionism in general (p = 0.01). Analysis of the anxiety measure showed a strong correlation (rs = 0.55) between maladaptive perfectionism and anxiety for the music students. Semester and age had no influence on anxiety. Maladaptive perfectionism and adaptive perfectionism both correlated significantly with anxiety in medical students. Music and medical students had similar levels of perfectionism. Medical students maintained a consistent level of perfectionism throughout their studies, while music students were more perfectionistic at the beginning of their education. For both groups, perfectionism was significantly correlated with anxiety.

Flexibility or instability? Emotion goal dynamics and mental health.

Emotion goals (i.e., what people want or do not want to feel) have important implications for emotional and mental health because they can shape whether, when, and how people regulate their emotions. Although research has shown that emotion goals vary across individuals and situations, we know relatively little about the dynamic changes in emotion goals in daily life and their potential implications. Given the dynamic features of emotions and emotion regulation, emotion goals may also fluctuate across time and their fluctuations may be critically linked to mental health. This research assessed the everyday dynamics of emotion goals, in particular, variability and inertia, and their associations with mental health. In two studies (N = 56 in Study 1 and N = 173 in Study 2), we included different indices of mental health and used Ecological Momentary Assessments to measure both pleasant and unpleasant emotion goals and experiences at a momentary level in daily life. We found that variability in unpleasant, but not pleasant, emotion goals was linked to better mental health outcomes, even after controlling for the mean levels of emotion goals, and the variability and mean levels of the corresponding emotional experiences. Emotion goal inertia was unrelated to mental health. These findings suggest that emotion goal variability is an important novel factor that may contribute to or reflect mental health. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Mental health prevalence in Brazil: Understanding anxiety and depression in southern Capixaba region.

e23295 Background: The rising significance of mental health issues and psychological distress among cancer patients has prompted an in-depth investigation. In the brazilian context, this crucial aspect remains largely unexplored, with limited available data and insufficient investment in understanding the psychosocial dimensions of cancer care. This study aims to generate brazilian-specific data to facilitate the development and implementation of targeted psychosocial interventions within cancer care. Methods: From August 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, a random selection of 263 patients at a brazilian cancer center underwent assessment for signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression using the Anxiety and Depression Assessment Scale – HAD. This validated screening scale, comprising 14 Likert-type questions, features two subscales with seven items each to track anxiety and depression symptoms. Severity scores for each subscale range from zero to 21, with higher scores indicating increased anxiety and depression levels. In this study, interviewers assessed the severity of symptoms, employing scales ranging from 0 to 21. Three score levels were identified: mild (0-7), moderate (8-11), and high (12-21). Inclusion criteria encompassed age over 18, residency in the southern region of the State of Espírito Santo, a cancer diagnosis, and active treatment. Exclusion criteria included non-residency in th southern region of th state, lack of cancer diagnosis, and oncohematological treatments. Of the 263 eligible participants, 21 were excluded for not meeting inclusion criteria, and 16 declined to participate, resulting in a final sample of 226 patients. Results: The sample comprised 160 women, with 64.90% diagnosed with breast cancer and 35.10% with other neoplasms. Among the 66 men, 41% had prostate cancer and 59% had other neoplasms. Anxiety levels in women were mild (28%), moderate (24%), and high (48%), while in men, levels were mild (39%), moderate (21%), and high (53%). Depression levels in women were mild (42%), moderate (19%), and high (39%). Notably, six suicide attempts occurred among women before cancer diagnosis, and one occurred after diagnosis. Among men, depression levels were mild (47%), moderate (22%), and high (31%). With no history of attempts of suicide in the men population. Conclusions: The study's robust dataset provides compelling and valid information, unveiling a substantial prevalence of mental disorders within the analyzed populations. It emphatically underscores the critical need for tailored supportive care in addressing the unique psychosocial challenges faced by this demographic. Furthermore, the findings advocate for the urgent implementation of targeted psychosocial support interventions to enhance the overall well-being of individuals navigating the complex terrain of cancer and its associated mental health implications.

Three Perspectives on Older Adults' Daily Performance, Health, and Technology Use During COVID-19: Focus Group Study.

During COVID-19 lockdowns, older adults' engagement in daily activities was severely affected, causing negative physical and mental health implications. Technology flourished as a means of performing daily activities in this complex situation; however, older adults often struggled to effectively use these opportunities. Despite the important role of older adults' social environments-including their families and health professionals-in influencing their technology use, research into their unique perspectives is lacking. This study aimed to explore the daily activity performance, health, and technology use experiences of healthy independent Israeli adults (aged ≥65 years) during COVID-19 from a 3-dimensional perspective: older adults, older adults' family members, and health professionals. Nine online focus groups, averaging 6-7 participants per group, were conducted with older adults, family members, and health professionals (N=59). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and constant comparative methods. The intertwining of daily activity performance and health emerged as a central theme, with differences between the groups. Older adults prioritized their self-fulfilling routines based on motivation and choice, especially in social-familial activities. In contrast, family members and health professionals focused on serious physical and mental health COVID-19-related consequences. A consensus among all three groups revealed the meaningful role of technology use during this period in bridging functional limitations. Participants delved into technology's transformative power, focusing on the need for technology to get engaged in daily activities. This study illustrates the profound interplay between daily activity performances, physical and mental health, and technology use, using a 3-dimensional approach. Its focus on technology's uses and benefits sheds light on what older adults need to increase their technology use. Interventions for improving digital activity performance can be tailored to meet older adults' needs and preferences by focusing on motivational and preference-related activities.

"You Aren't Alone": An Analysis of Trans Latinas' Use of Instagram.

Social media platforms, such as Instagram, provide space for marginalized groups to connect, learn about and express themselves, and cultivate community. Trans Latinas, a group target of violence and discrimination, resist by expressing themselves and building community through social media. As cisgender researchers, we explored how trans Latinas use #translatina on Instagram as a shared space to present themselves and their identities, to leverage this knowledge in our fields. We analyzed 134 posts in February and March of 2020 employing basic and interpretive content analyses while considering Goffman's theory of presentation of self. Results showed that trans Latinas mostly presented individually through posed selfies taken near the camera, using a straight camera angle, standing, not smiling, and making eye contact. Most users wore makeup, styled hair, and accessories. Analyzing written captions and photos, four themes were constructed to understand how trans Latinas presented their identities and connected with others: (1) expressions of beauty and femininity, (2) fostering community, (3) commercial or work, and (4) feeling good and confident. These results have implications for mental health and health promotion practices, as social media could serve as affirming spaces for trans Latinas to reinforce their self-determination, maintain a sense of self, and build community.

‘With or without you’: associations between noteworthy events and cognitive complaints across 100 days

Objectives Daily noteworthy events have implications for physical and mental health, but less is known about the role daily events have for self-reported cognition and whether the involvement of close social partners differentiates these associations. The current study examined how daily positive and negative noteworthy events relate to subjective memory and attentional difficulties and whether close social partners moderated associations. Method We used data from a 100-day microlongitudinal web-based study of 104 older adults (Nobservations=7,051; Mage =63.13 years, SDage =7.81, 88.46% Female). Participants reported on exposure to and valence of noteworthy events, involvement of close social partners, and subjective cognitive complaints at the end of each day. Results Logistic multilevel models revealed that days with a negative event were associated with increased odds of forgetting something and trouble concentrating whereas days with positive events were associated with decreased odds of trouble concentrating. Close social partner involvement did not moderate within-person associations. Conclusion Our results suggest that day-to-day events are correlates of cognitive complaints regardless of close social partner involvement in the events. Research should clarify the role of daily positive and negative events in personalized interventions and determine whether this person-centered approach to self-reported cognitive health helps inform diagnostic practices.

Urbanization and its Mental Health Implications in the Philippines

The objective of this research is to examine the effectiveness of integrated mental health services in urban settings within the Philippines, with a particular focus on the challenges posed by rapid urbanization. The study aims to develop a comprehensive framework that assesses the availability, accessibility, and efficacy of mental health services in metropolitan areas, thereby contributing to the improvement of public health strategies in urban environments. Utilizing a robust methodological approach, the research evaluates several key components of mental health services, including intervention strategies, community engagement, and policy implementation. The results indicate that while there are numerous services available, significant gaps in service accessibility and effectiveness remain. Factor analysis identified five critical areas for improvement: 1) Community Awareness and Stigma Reduction; 2) Integration of Mental Health into Primary Health Care; 3) Enhanced Training for Mental Health Professionals; 4) Strengthened Support Networks; 5) Policy and Infrastructure Development. The study also highlights the importance of aligning service provision with the specific cultural and socioeconomic contexts of Filipino urban populations. The findings underscore the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to mental health care that includes both governmental and community-level involvement.

Mental Health Implications of Family Separation Associated with Migration Policies in the United States: A Systematic Review

The practice of family separation as a mechanism of oppression has a deep-rooted history in the U.S., manifesting in diverse contexts, including punitive migration policies. This systematic review aimed to provide a rigorous and updated synthesis of the research on family separation as a result of migration policies and its impacts on immigrants’ mental health while making a distinction between forced family separation, family separation by constrained choices, and living with the fear of family separation. We systematically searched four bibliographic databases using keywords related to family separation, migration, transnational families, and mental health for peer-reviewed studies published in English on or before January 1st, 2022. Results of the review indicate that family separation or fear of it may result in depression, anxiety, behavioral and emotional issues, sleep disturbances, and stress or distress in affected children. Similarly, impacted parents or caregivers might experience stress or distress, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Findings call for migration policy changes prioritizing family unity and comprehensive mental health interventions to respond to the pervasive consequences of family separation or fear thereof among immigrants in the U.S.

Social media use and emerging mental health issues.

Since its inception, social media has brought about numerous benefits, including higher levels of social connectedness, potential positive interactions, and greater access to information. Nonetheless, the excessive use of social media can lead to negative health outcomes, such as social anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, reduced sleep quality, and higher perceived stress. It has been argued that boredom and loneliness may be mediating factors between social media misuse and negative mental health effects, above all among youth and adolescents. Likewise, exposure to graphic imagery or misinformation on social media may also have deleterious implications for mental health. Taken together, this suggests a need for targeted studies on the relationship between social media and mental health, as well as the development of educational interventions for adolescents to share knowledge about the safe use of such tools. Mental health professionals should be adequately trained in identifying risk factors and treating the negative health outcomes that may result from social media. Specific strategies and guidelines should be adopted by social media companies aligned with international evidence from health agencies and experts in e-mental health.

Navigating a world in conflict: The mental health implications of contemporary geopolitical crises.

Throughout history, armed conflicts have profoundly affected individuals and societies, with recent events in Ukraine, the Middle East, and beyond bringing into sharp focus the severe mental health and humanitarian consequences of geopolitical crises. Such situations often result in mass fatalities, destruction, displacement, forced migration, and other critical life events. Amid these scenarios, the adverse outcomes for mental health and well-being in both the short and long term must be emphasized. As a conceivable example of the latter, the proposed concept of intergenerational trauma could have far-reaching implications. In particular, in certain regions, civilians have repeatedly experienced instances of violence and may have continually been exposed to critical life events and traumatic stress. In this context, the consequences of these events for individual well-being and global mental health will likely be registered for years to come. Accordingly, urgent help and actions to address the mental health burdens within contemporary conflicts should be accentuated in humanitarian, political, and diplomatic interventions. Equally, health policies must adopt a long-term approach to support initiatives under the purview of global and public mental health objectives.

Exploration of the COVID-19 mental health implications in elite disabled athletes

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic influenced the way individuals conducted their lives, with consequences relating to mental health deterioration. Whilst researchers explored this outcome in the general population and athletic populations, less focus was on athletes with disabilities. The aim of this study was to investigate how the pandemic influenced the mental health of elite para-athletes in the United Kingdom. Nine elite-level athletes with disabilities participated in semi-structured interviews. Three broad themes were interpreted from the data using reflexive thematic analysis, two themes reflected the negative impact of COVID-19 on mental health and one theme reflected positive outcomes of the pandemic. Athletes explained that losing face-to-face interactions and delays in major sporting events were significant factors in their mental health decline. This population group reported different challenges to able-bodied communities. Differences included increased susceptibility to contract the virus, difficulties in communication where face masks and online interactions became necessary and perceptions of vulnerability relating to shielding protocols. Finally, positive outcomes related to the additional time to recover, to prepare for major events and time to reassess their values. Exploring experiences of a pandemic on this population group warrants further exploration to enhance the effectiveness of mental health support services in para-sporting organisations.

A pharmacist's role in increasing access to menstrual products: an education and advocacy approach.

Individuals who menstruate grapple with diverse challenges in menstrual and reproductive health. This includes financial burdens, societal stigmas, and negative mental and physical health implications. Period poverty, marked by insufficient access to menstrual products, education, and sanitation, remains a prevalent and poorly addressed issue. Alarming statistics highlight the extent of this problem and shed light on the staggering number of individuals lacking access to essential menstrual products. The discourse extends to the safety and accessibility of a diverse array of menstrual products. A comprehensive comparison of the cost of available period products was conducted using data obtained from various retail websites. The often-overlooked potential indirect expenses and profound impacts on quality of life were also discussed. Amidst other public health initiatives, pharmacists have emerged as pivotal advocates and educators. Pharmacists are poised to drive initiatives that increase access to menstrual products through public health education and advocacy. By providing education on different menstrual product options, pharmacists can empower individuals to make informed decisions based on their needs. This perspective illuminates the complex impacts of menstruation on individuals and proposes that pharmacists can play a role in overcoming barriers to access. The proposed strategies, rooted in education, research, and advocacy, pave the way for enhancing access, reducing stigma, and elevating the quality of life for those navigating the intricate complexities of menstruation.

Clinical practice guidelines for the care of girls and women with Turner syndrome.

Turner syndrome (TS) affects 50 per 100 000 females. TS affects multiple organs through all stages of life, necessitating multidisciplinary care. This guideline extends previous ones and includes important new advances, within diagnostics and genetics, estrogen treatment, fertility, co-morbidities, and neurocognition and neuropsychology. Exploratory meetings were held in 2021 in Europe and United States culminating with a consensus meeting in Aarhus, Denmark in June 2023. Prior to this, eight groups addressed important areas in TS care: (1) diagnosis and genetics, (2) growth, (3) puberty and estrogen treatment, (4) cardiovascular health, (5) transition, (6) fertility assessment, monitoring, and counselling, (7) health surveillance for comorbidities throughout the lifespan, and (8) neurocognition and its implications for mental health and well-being. Each group produced proposals for the present guidelines, which were meticulously discussed by the entire group. Four pertinent questions were submitted for formal GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) evaluation with systematic review of the literature. The guidelines project was initiated by the European Society for Endocrinology and the Pediatric Endocrine Society, in collaboration with members from the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, the European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions, the Society for Endocrinology, and the European Society of Cardiology, Japanese Society for Pediatric Endocrinology, Australia and New Zealand Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Latin American Society for Pediatric Endocrinology, Arab Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, and the Asia Pacific Pediatric Endocrine Society. Advocacy groups appointed representatives for pre-meeting discussions and the consensus meeting.

Electrophysiological and behavioral differences of general and food-specific inhibitory control in people with different levels of intuitive eating

Intuitive eating influences health-related behaviors (including calorie and nutritional intake) that are modulated by inhibitory control, producing implications for physical, mental, and emotional health. However, little is known about the relationship between intuitive eating habits and inhibitory control. Therefore, we tested intuitive eating's influence on measures of general and food-related inhibitory control using behavioral and event-related potentials (N2 and P3 components). We included 40 healthy participants: 23 had a higher level of intuitive eating, and 17 had a lower level. They participated in food-specific go/no-go and general go/no-go tasks for which we recorded electroencephalogram data. As expected, in the food-specific go/no-go task, the P3 component amplitude in the lower intuitive eating group was significantly larger than in the higher intuitive eating group; there were no significant between-group differences in the N2 amplitudes or behavioral measures. Moreover, there were no ERP or behavioral difference between groups in the general go/no-go task. Further research is needed to understand the role of positive eating behaviors in food-specific inhibitory control.

Interoceptive accuracy in children aged 8 to 13 and their parents: implications for mental health

Interoceptive accuracy in children aged 8 to 13 and their parents: implications for mental health

Neurophenomenological Investigation of Mindfulness Meditation “Cessation” Experiences Using EEG Network Analysis in an Intensively Sampled Adept Meditator

Mindfulness meditation is a contemplative practice that is informed by Buddhism. It has been proven effective for improving mental and physical health in clinical and non-clinical contexts. To date, mainstream dialogue and scientific research on mindfulness has focused primarily on short-term mindfulness training and applications of mindfulness for reducing stress. Understanding advanced mindfulness practice has important implications for mental health and general wellbeing. According to Theravada Buddhist meditation, a “cessation” event is a dramatic experience of profound clarity and equanimity that involves a complete discontinuation in experience, and is evidence of mastery of mindfulness meditation. Thirty-seven cessation events were captured in a single intensively sampled advanced meditator (over 6,000 h of retreat mindfulness meditation training) while recording electroencephalography (EEG) in 29 sessions between November 12, 2019 and March 11, 2020. Functional connectivity and network integration were assessed from 40 s prior to cessations to 40 s after cessations. From 21 s prior to cessations there was a linear decrease in large-scale functional interactions at the whole-brain level in the alpha band. In the 40 s following cessations these interactions linearly returned to prior levels. No modulation of network integration was observed. The decrease in whole-brain functional connectivity was underlain by frontal to left temporal and to more posterior decreases in connectivity, while the increase was underlain by wide-spread increases in connectivity. These results provide neuroscientific evidence of large-scale modulation of brain activity related to cessation events that provides a foundation for future studies of advanced meditation.

Abstract PO2-10-09: Professional Support for Eating and Nutrition among Women Living with Breast Cancer: Implications for Mental Health and Quality of Life

Abstract Background: Within oncology, nutrition and eating behaviors are often tied to cancer prevention, incidence rates, progression, and healthy survivorship, as well as symptom and side effect management. While many nutrition-related resources and guidelines focus on physical health outcomes, support around nutrition and eating behaviors can have critical implications for mental health and quality of life outcomes among breast cancer patients and survivors. Methods: 232 women with breast cancer enrolled in the online Cancer Experience Registry and provided sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, answered questions about their eating and nutrition experiences, including utilization of a Registered Dietitian for professional eating and nutrition support since being diagnosed with cancer, and completed the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-29v2.0 + 2-item Cognitive Function Short Form). Frequencies were calculated and group differences among those who wanted professional support for eating and nutrition but either did or did not receive it were assessed using independent-samples t-tests. Results: The sample was 81% Non-Hispanic (NH) White, 9% NH Black. Participants varied in age (mean=61 yrs; SD=9.2), time since diagnosis (median=7 yrs, range: < 1-39) and socioeconomic status (16% household income < $40K; 32% employer-provided insurance coverage). 44% were currently receiving treatment, with 70% in remission, 12% with metastatic disease, and 21% with history of recurrence. Over one-third (36%) received professional support for eating and nutrition from a Registered Dietitian since being diagnosed with cancer, including 12% receiving that support in the last 6 months. Participants wanted professional support for eating and nutrition during active treatment (51%), after treatment (44%), at initial diagnosis (23%), before treatment (18%), before being diagnosed with cancer (11%) . The most commonly reported eating and nutrition needs driving the desire for professional support included weight-related support (54%; maintenance, gain, or loss), achieving healthy eating patterns (52%), increasing energy level (46%) and physical fitness/strength (45%). However, experiences with professional support for eating and nutrition varied: 54% wanted eating and nutrition support since being diagnosed with cancer, but only 68% of those who wanted this support were able to access care. Irrespective of access to professional eating and nutrition support, participants report changing their eating patterns to manage SSEs (50%) or improve long-term health (57%). Among those who desired professional support for eating and nutrition since being diagnosed with cancer (n=102), those who did not get the desired support (n=34) compared to those who did (n=68) reported higher levels of anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and pain, as well as lower levels of physical and cognitive function (all ps < .05). Levels of fatigue and social function were not significantly different between groups. Conclusion: While there is a strong desire for professional support surrounding eating and nutrition among women with breast cancer, when that support is needed and what it aims to address varies greatly. Among those interested in receiving professional support for eating and nutrition, those who accessed professional support reported greater mental health and quality of life. Further research is needed to understand barriers to accessing eating and nutrition support among those who are not able to obtain it. Community-based advocacy organizations that offer access to professional support services for eating and nutrition are critical for addressing unmet needs in this area to improve health and well-being among women with breast cancer. Citation Format: Victoria Morris, Melissa Miller, Susan Weldon, Gail Kelly. Professional Support for Eating and Nutrition among Women Living with Breast Cancer: Implications for Mental Health and Quality of Life [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO2-10-09.

The influence of economic policies on social environments and mental health.

Despite increased advocacy and investments in mental health systems globally, there has been limited progress in reducing mental disorder prevalence. In this paper, we argue that meaningful advancements in population mental health necessitate addressing the fundamental sources of shared distress. Using a systems perspective, economic structures and policies are identified as the potential cause of causes of mental ill-health. Neoliberal ideologies, prioritizing economic optimization and continuous growth, contribute to the promotion of individualism, job insecurity, increasing demands on workers, parental stress, social disconnection and a broad range of manifestations well-recognized to erode mental health. We emphasize the need for mental health researchers and advocates to increasingly engage with the economic policy discourse to draw attention to mental health and well-being implications. We call for a shift towards a well-being economy to better align commercial interests with collective well-being and social prosperity. The involvement of individuals with lived mental ill-health experiences, practitioners and researchers is needed to mobilize communities for change and influence economic policies to safeguard well-being. Additionally, we call for the establishment of national mental wealth observatories to inform coordinated health, social and economic policies and realize the transition to a more sustainable well-being economy that offers promise for progress on population mental health outcomes.

Extended Paid Maternity Leave Associated With Improved Maternal Mental Health In Hong Kong.

In July 2020, Hong Kong extended statutory paid maternity leave from ten weeks to fourteen weeks to align with International Labour Organization standards. We used the policy enactment as an observational natural experiment to assess the mental health implications of this policy change on probable postnatal depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scores of 10 or higher) and postpartum emotional well-being. Using an opportunistic observational study design, we recruited 1,414 survey respondents with births before (August 1-December 10, 2020) and after (December 11, 2020-July 18, 2022) policy implementation. Participants had a mean age of thirty-two, were majority primiparous, and were mostly working in skilled occupations. Our results show that the policy was associated with a 22percent decrease in mothers experiencing postnatal depressive symptoms and a 33percent decrease in postpartum emotional well-being interference. Even this modest change in policy, an additional four weeks of paid leave, was associated with significant mental health benefits. Policy makers should consider extending paid maternity leave to international norms to improve mental health among working mothers and to support workforce retention.

The Impact of Gaokao High-Stakes Testing on Student Mental Health in China: An Analysis of Stress Levels and Coping Mechanisms Among Senior High School Students

The Gaokao, China’s National College Entrance Examination, is a high-stakes test that significantly impacts students’ academic futures and career opportunities. This paper examines the mental health implications of the Gaokao, focusing on stress levels and coping mechanisms among senior high school students. It explores the societal and educational significance of the Gaokao, identifies specific stressors related to its preparation and performance, and analyzes the correlation between stress levels and academic performance. Additionally, the paper discusses the short-term and long-term effects of stress on students’ overall well-being and offers recommendations for immediate and long-term interventions. These strategies aim to reduce the adverse effects of stress, enhance students’ mental health, and improve academic outcomes. The findings highlight the need for a balanced approach to stress management and support systems to ensure students’ success and well-being in the face of high-stakes examinations.