Psychosocial Factors and Sex Differences in High Academic Attainment at Cambridge University

Abstract

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and severity of social and psychological problems amongst a 25% random sample of the 1995 student intake to Cambridge University, to assess use of support services and to investigate determinants of high academic attainment. A longitudinal design was employed, based upon information provided by students and by the University Counselling Service, together with that concerning their examination performance. Annually, 10% of students reported their course to be extremely stressful, 19% reported social problems causing considerable worry and 9% sought help. Social and psychological problems were twice as common amongst women. Episodes of anxiety and depression appeared to peak at times coinciding with university examinations. Men were awarded 60% more firsts than women. Almost a two-fold difference was found in the percentage of first class marks awarded by faculty and up to a four-fold difference according to entry qualifications. Half the overall difference was ex...