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While some argue for a distinction between supporting academic success and mental health, asserting that mental health takes precedence, a more balanced approach recognizes the interdependence of the two.

Associate professor and researcher Gabrielle Wilcox recently emphasized the relationship between academic development and mental well-being, particularly in the early stages of education. The concept of well-being in educational settings includes various factors -- physical, cognitive, social, and psychological aspects. Therefore, a holistic approach is necessary to address all these factors.

Reading skills and mental health

Reading and early academic performance have been linked to mental health. Strong reading abilities contribute to positive outcomes, with proficient readers reporting higher life satisfaction and lower levels of anxiety and depression. They also showed increased prosocial behavior, confidence, emotional intelligence, and empathy.

Conversely, poor reading skills showed an increased risk of adverse outcomes, such as behavioral problems, low self-concept, difficulty in relationships, shame, anxiety, depression and even involvement in the criminal justice system. 

Additionally, researchers who looked into the impact of dyslexia, characterized by difficulty in reading, found that students with the disorder often face difficulties in forming friendships. They also get bullied more often, resulting in low self-esteem.

Beyond elementary reading

The association between academic achievement and well-being extends beyond elementary school reading and high school learning. It is a two-way relationship, acknowledging that poor mental health can also influence academic outcomes. 

There is also a critical link between equity in reading instructions and student well-being. It is important to note that adequate access to reading education is a social justice issue.

Unhealthy levels of academic competition, while detrimental to mental health, should not lead to an exclusive focus on stressors, as this may hinder healthy academic growth that promotes overall mental well-being.

To effectively support student well-being, it is imperative to address mental health directly by cultivating healthy school climates, implementing social-emotional learning, and providing psychological services.