Original version
Child Development. 2023, 1-19, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13985
Abstract
Abstract This study used rich individual‐level registry data covering the entire Norwegian population to identify students aged 17–21 who either failed a high‐stakes exit exam or who received the lowest passing grade from 2006 to 2018. Propensity score matching on high‐quality observed characteristics was utilized to allow meaningful comparisons ( N = 18,052, 64% boys). Results showed a 21% increase in odds of receiving a psychological diagnosis among students who failed the exam. Adolescents were at 57% reduced odds of graduating and 44% reduction in odds of enrolling in tertiary education 5 years following the exam. Results suggest that failing a high‐stakes exam is associated with mental health issues and therefore may impact adolescents more broadly than captured in educational outcomes.