CENTRAL YMCA RESEARCH REVEALS LASTING IMPACT ON QUALITY OF LIFE CAUSED BY POOR EDUCATION

–       30% divide in wellbeing between those with positive and negative education experiences –

–       Average Brit scores 6.13/10 on an index for their overall wellbeing –

A charity has today warned of the lasting impact caused by poor experiences of the education system, after research revealed a 30% disparity in wellbeing scores between those that have had positive and negative experiences during their time in education.

Those respondents who felt they’d had a positive experience of the education system – regardless of their current circumstances and lifestyle – displayed much higher wellbeing scores (6.92/10 on an index) than those who felt traditional education didn’t help them to achieve their potential (4.92/10).

The research by Central YMCA questioned a nationally representative sample of 1,000 UK adults on 14 statements relating to wellbeing and how various lifestyle factors, such as activity, mental stimulation, financial confidence, relationships, and education affect these.

The average Brit scored 6.13/10 on an index for their overall wellbeing.

Previous studies have revealed that schools are failing to support the mental wellbeing of youngsters in their care, with a 2015 report by think-tank, Demos, showing that final year students are three times as likely than 14-year olds to feel their school is only focused on preparing them for exams, rather than to succeed in life more generally.

Another report from Kings College London reveals that those people bullied frequently as children were at increased risk of depression or anxiety, and more likely to report a lower quality of life at 50.

Interestingly, almost 22% of respondents in Central YMCA’s study said that they feel wellbeing at its highest at a place of study or work – signalling the opportunity to optimise educational experiences to capitalise on this.

“It is vitally important to give young people a positive experience of education”, said Rosi Prescott, chief executive at Central YMCA. “Feeling that we’ve failed to achieve our full potential in education can create a negative impact on wellbeing, which we carry with us into later life.

“It’s now crucial that we work together to achieve a healthy balance of positive levels of physical activity, mental stimulation, and relationships – all which have a significant impact on our feelings of wellbeing.”

For the full report findings please visit: http://www.ymca.co.uk/eudaimonia-report