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Less Pressure, Happier Minds: The Mental Health Impact of Relaxation-Oriented Education

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  • Yu BAI
  • Yanjun LI
  • Xinyan LIU
  • Ryuichi TANAKA

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of a relaxation-oriented educational policy on the mental health outcomes of affected children. Leveraging a difference-in-differences estimation strategy, we utilize the exogenous shock introduced by Japan’s 2002 relaxation-oriented curriculum reform to assess the effect of decreased instruction time on student mental health. Our results indicate that individuals exposed to more years of relaxed education tended to experience improved mental health outcomes. We also explore potential mechanisms behind these improvements, noting that reduced hours of study and increased time for leisure activities contribute to better mental health. However, the effect appears to be temporary, suggesting that while relaxed education policies can enhance students’ mental health, these benefits may not endure long-term.

Suggested Citation

  • Yu BAI & Yanjun LI & Xinyan LIU & Ryuichi TANAKA, 2025. "Less Pressure, Happier Minds: The Mental Health Impact of Relaxation-Oriented Education," Discussion papers 25076, Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI).
    • Handle: RePEc:eti:dpaper:25076
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