Exam stress linked to lack of exercise

Inadequate guidance contributes to higher stress among Leaving Certificate students, according to research.

As around 57,000 people prepare for next Wednesday’s first papers in the 2015 State exams, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) study also highlights links between students’ participation in social activities and stress levels.

While many cut back on sport or other activities to spend more time on study in sixth year, authors Joanne Banks and Emer Smyth found that those who kept up regular school-based sports had less stress than others.