Poor Literacy a Risk Factor of Poor Mental Health

A recent US study has reported a "Higher Risk Of Suicidal Thoughts And Behavior In Poor Readers"

"In our study, poor readers were three times more likely than typical readers to consider or attempt suicide and six times more likely to drop out of school," said lead author Stephanie Sergent Daniel, Ph.D. "Educators and parents should be aware of the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior among adolescents with reading problems... students with poor reading skills were more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or attempts and were more likely to drop out of school."

If we accept poor literacy as a risk factor then literacy focusses/programmes also become preventative strategies of mental health issues in young people.