Reviews
Vol. 4 (2026)
A systematic review of the consequences of academic performance on mental health and well-being among students in Nigeria
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Published: 16 July 2026
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Academic performance is increasingly recognized as an important determinant of students’ mental health and well-being, yet evidence from Nigeria remains fragmented and insufficiently synthesized. This scoping review examined the consequences of academic performance on mental health and well-being among students in Nigeria. A systematic review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodological framework and reported in line with PRISMA-SR guidelines. Six electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, African Journals Online, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Semantic Scholar were searched for peer-reviewed studies published between January 2021 and April 2026. Eligible studies investigated academic performance as an exposure, correlate, or predictor of mental health outcomes among Nigerian students. Data were extracted using a standardized form and synthesized narratively and thematically. A total of 28 studies met the inclusion criteria. Poor academic performance was consistently associated with elevated levels of depression, anxiety, stress, psychological distress, burnout, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideation. Examination pressure, fear of failure, excessive workload, financial hardship, institutional instability, and poor sleep quality emerged as recurrent contributors to adverse mental health outcomes. Several studies demonstrated significant negative correlations between psychological distress and academic performance, while resilience, emotional support, and adaptive coping strategies moderated these relationships. Religious coping and family support were commonly utilized protective mechanisms, although awareness and utilization of formal mental health services remained low. Academic performance substantially influences students’ mental health and well-being in Nigeria through interconnected psychosocial and structural pathways. Longitudinal and intervention-based studies are needed to strengthen causal understanding and inform contextually appropriate mental health policies and educational support strategies.
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How to Cite
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A systematic review of the consequences of academic performance on mental health and well-being among students in Nigeria. Mental Wellness [Internet]. 2026 Jul. 16 [cited 2026 Jul. 17];4. Available from: https://www.mental-wellness-journal.net/mw/article/view/54
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