Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
12:55
Multimodal Protocol for Assessing Metacognition and Self-Regulation in Adults with Learning Difficulties
Published on: September 27, 2020
Continuous admission to primary school and mental health problems
Sijmen A Reijneveld1, Carin H Wiefferink, Emily Brugman
1University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Department of Health Sciences, P,O, Box 196, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands. s.a.reijneveld@med.umcg.nl
BMC Public Health
|June 8, 2006
Summary
Continuous school admission does not prevent mental health issues in young children. However, this approach may reduce mental health problems in older children, warranting further investigation into its preventative potential.
Area of Science:
- Child psychology
- Educational psychology
- Public health
Background:
- Relative age effects are observed in school settings, with younger children exhibiting higher mental health problem rates.
- This study investigates if continuous school admission mitigates these effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if continuous school admission impacts the prevalence of mental health problems in children.
- To analyze the relative age effect on mental health under different school admission systems.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two Dutch national samples comprising 12,221 children aged 5-15 years.
- Assessed mental health via parent-reports (Child Behavior Checklist, CBCL) and professional evaluations.
- Achieved a high response rate of 86.9%.
Main Results:
- A higher incidence of mental health problems was found in relatively younger children aged 5-6.
- This effect was significant for both mean CBCL scores (p = 0.017) and professional assessments (p < 0.0001).
- No statistically significant differences in mental health problems based on relative age were observed in children aged 7-15.
Conclusions:
- Continuous school admission does not appear to prevent mental health problems in younger children.
- Potential preventative benefits for mental health may emerge in older children with continuous admission.
- Further research is recommended to explore the preventative potential of continuous admission for mental health issues.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
01:30Stress and Mental Health
Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
01:30Community Based Intervention
Community-based interventions in mental health represent a paradigm shift from institution-centered care to treatments embedded within the fabric of local communities. By prioritizing inclusion and leveraging existing societal structures, this approach fosters a supportive environment conducive to addressing mental health challenges while promoting individual dignity and agency.
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
01:30Information Processing Approach
The information-processing theory of cognitive development centers on fundamental mental processes, including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Researchers in this field examine how cognitive abilities, such as working memory, evolve and influence children's overall development. Studies indicate that children with stronger working memory tend to excel in reading comprehension, math, and problem-solving compared to peers with less efficient memory skills. Low working memory is also...
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:29Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia, a complex psychiatric disorder, has been historically misunderstood. Early psychological theories attributed its origins to childhood trauma and unresponsive parenting. However, contemporary research largely rejects these notions, favoring the vulnerability-stress hypothesis. This model proposes that individuals with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may develop the disorder following exposure to significant environmental stressors. Notably, studies on high-risk...