Symptoms of School Burnout in Comprehensive School and Mental Health Problems in Late Adolescence

The aim of the present study was to examine the extent to which symptoms of school burnout (exhaustion and cynicism) during the comprehensive school years played a role in individuals' long-term mental health problems. The data were collected in four municipalities (i.e., one big, one rural, and two medium-sized) around Finland. The sample included 673 students (376 girls, 297 boys) whose symptoms of school burnout were assessed three times: in Grade 6 (ages 12-13), Grade 7, and Grade 9. Indicators of later mental health problems were the use of antidepressants at the ages of 16-20 years old and self-reported depressive symptoms during the first year of upper secondary education at ages of 16-17 years. Information on symptoms of school burnout and depressive symptoms was derived from self-reports, and information on the use of antidepressants was obtained from the National Drug Prescription Register data. The data were analyzed using logistic regression and hierarchical linear regression models. The results showed that symptoms of exhaustion in Grade 9 significantly predicted the use of antidepressants in late adolescence; the higher the level of exhaustion in Grade 9, the greater the likelihood of using antidepressants during the follow-up period. Similar findings were found for self-reported depressive symptoms, as higher levels of exhaustion in Grades 7 and 9 predicted significantly higher levels of subsequent self-reported depressive symptoms. Higher levels of cynicism in Grade 9 predicted significantly higher levels of subsequent self-reported depressive symptoms, but not the use of antidepressants. The findings indicated that school burnout symptoms are significant predictors of ongoing mental health problems, emphasizing the need for early preventive work and interventions. Symptoms of exhaustion and cynicism increase the risk of depressive symptoms, and exhaustion may also progress to clinical depression requiring medication.