University of Liverpool psychologist shares tips and advice on A-Level results day
Students across Merseyside will be collecting their results today (15 August)
Last updated 15th Aug 2024
A psychology expert from Liverpool is urging young people to seek support for their mental health this exam season.
It's as hundreds of thousands of pupils across the country go to receive their A-Level results today (15 August) - with GCSE marks being released next week.
Many of them will be making big life changes like going on to university, starting an apprenticeship, or joining the work force.
According to experts, when students don't achieve their desired A-Level or T Level grades and university offers, it's natural to experience disappointment.
This can stem from various factors as students have invested significant time and effort into achieving certain grades, and not meeting these expectations can be disheartening and students can feel they have let themselves down.
Peter Kinderman, professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Liverpool, is sharing advice on how to manage stress and deal with disappointment.
He said: “Young people hope for a positive future and that they've fulfilled their expectations. There's also a lot of pressure on young people from teachers, parents, other family members - and that adds to the stress of it.
“If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, talk to people. Talk to the people that you know care about you. If you didn’t get the grades you had hoped for, getting different perspectives is always important. There are a lot of people who've had disappointing A-Level grades and that has caused a change in their career plans. But in the long run, that change is not necessarily a bad one. Some people end up going to university that wasn't necessarily their first choice, but they thoroughly enjoy it, and it sets them up for a career and the lifestyle that they really enjoy.
“Think about how we deal with this situation. Think about what we need to do next. And there's probably going to be solutions to any problems.”
Peter is also urging parents and guardians to check-in on their children’s mental wellbeing during this period.
He said: “I think for parents, I'd say take the anxieties and the concerns of the children seriously. Sometimes kids can get very upset by the grades that they get. Let's consider what that means and make plans accordingly, rather than becoming either hugely anxious or hugely depressed.”