A recent study conducted by the Academy of Finland Research Programme on the Health and Welfare of Children and Young People, found that school burnout can be turned into educational engagement.

The study reveals that this condition - which is characterized by exhaustion, cynicism toward the meaning of school and a sense of inadequacy - is becoming common among students. Prolonged fatigue brought on by school has lead to the other two symptoms, according to the study authors.

"It is crucial that the school respond to the needs of our youth, since inadequacy can lead to depression," said Katariina Salmela-Aro, researcher of the study. "The results have also shown that students who have reading and writing difficulties often experience a sense of inadequacy, which, if prolonged, leads to depression."

The study suggests that guidance should be provided on all educational levels, resources and strengths should be emphasized, and study skills should be taught at each grade. Officials said that the data indicates that the trend was to gradually avoid and segregate achievers from students who are burned out.

Researchers emphasized that the competence, coping techniques and motivation of youth, parents and teachers should be nurtured and allowed to grow.