The impact of academic pressure on the mental health of university students: A Scopus-based review (2019 – 2025)

Abstract

This overview study analyzes publication trends and the content of research on the impact of academic pressure on the mental health of university students during the period from 2019 to 2025. The review findings indicate that academic pressure is a major factor influencing students’ mental health, as reflected in issues such as anxiety, depression, academic burnout, and behavioral disorders. Several prominent studies have identified the mediating role of cognitive function in the relationship between academic pressure and internet use disorders, gender differences in stress responses, and the influence of social factors such as isolation, stigma, and social support. The research emphasizes the necessity of early intervention strategies, the enhancement of effective coping mechanisms, and the development of social support systems to mitigate the negative effects of academic pressure on students’ mental health. This article also outlines existing research gaps and suggests future directions for studying the impact of academic pressure on the mental health of university students.