Abstract
This study examines cross-cultural differences in academic pressure, anxiety, and sleep quality among high-achieving students in the United States and South Korea. As academic success becomes increasingly competitive in both countries, students often face significant psychological and physiological challenges. This research investigates how differing educational systems and cultural expectations influence levels of academic pressure and their subsequent impact on anxiety and sleep quality.
Data were collected from high-achieving high school students in both countries using standardized measures, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale. Comparative analyses were conducted to identify differences in perceived academic pressure, anxiety levels, and sleep disturbances between the two groups.
Preliminary findings suggest that South Korean students report higher levels of academic pressure and anxiety, along with poorer sleep quality, compared to their U.S. counterparts. These results highlight the role of cultural and systemic factors in shaping student well-being. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions and policy considerations to reduce academic stress and promote healthier sleep habits among high-achieving students globally.
Faculty Advisor
Brett Zollinger
Department/Program
Sociology
Submission Type
in-person poster
Date
4-13-2026
Rights
Copyright the Author(s)
Recommended Citation
Choi, Yumi; Zollinger, Brett; and Park, Jisook
(2026)
"Cross-Cultural Differences in Academic Pressure, Anxiety, and Sleep Quality Among High-Achieving Students in the United States and South Korea,"
SACAD: Scholarly Activities: Vol. 2026, Article 69.
Available at:
https://scholars.fhsu.edu/sacad/vol2026/iss2026/69
Included in
Child Psychology Commons, Community-Based Research Commons, Education Commons, Educational Sociology Commons, School Psychology Commons
