⚠ Official Notice: www.ijisrt.com is the official website of the International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology (IJISRT) Journal for research paper submission and publication. Please beware of fake or duplicate websites using the IJISRT name.



Psychological and Educational Support for Students with Learning Difficulties: A Narrative Review of Mental Well-Being


Authors : Shruti Suman

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 8 - August


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4e7ycsah

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26aug991

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : Students with learning difficulties face challenges that extend far beyond academics, often affecting their emotional, behavioural, and social well-being. Persistent struggles in reading, writing, spelling, and mathematics contribute to frustration, anxiety, low self-esteem, and reduced motivation. Experiences of bullying, stigma, and inadequate psychological support further undermine classroom engagement and peer relationships, underscoring the need for integrated educational and mental health interventions. This narrative review synthesises literature published between 2015 and 2025, alongside landmark studies, to examine psychological and educational support for students with learning difficulties, with a particular focus on mental well-being. Evidence was drawn from psychology, education, and school-based interventions, as well as reports from international organisations. Thematic analysis revealed consistent vulnerabilities among these students, including heightened risks of anxiety, stress, depression, and behavioural difficulties. Effective strategies identified include early identification, counselling, social and emotional learning (SEL) programmes, differentiated instruction, positive reinforcement, and family involvement. Inclusive school environments and collaboration among teachers, counsellors, psychologists, and parents emerged as critical for fostering resilience, confidence, and sustained engagement. The review concludes that mental well-being must be treated as an integral component of educational support. For developing countries such as India, where resources and awareness remain limited, longitudinal and intervention-based research is urgently needed. By integrating applied psychology with inclusive educational practices, schools can strengthen both academic achievement and holistic student development.

Keywords : Learning Difficulties; Mental Well-Being; Psychological Support; Inclusive Education; School Counselling; School Psychology.

References :

  1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
  2. Aro, T., Eklund, K., Eloranta, A., Ahonen, T., & Rescorla, L. (2022). Learning disabilities elevate children’s risk for behavioral-emotional problems: Differences between LD types, genders, and contexts. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 55(6), 465–481. https://doi.org/10.1177/00222194211056297
  3. Asdaq, S. M. B., Alhowail, A. H., Rabbani, S. I., Nayeem, N., Asdaq, S. M. E., & Nausheen, F. (2025). Learning disabilities in the 21st century: Integrating neuroscience, education, and technology for better outcomes. SAGE Open, 15(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440251365483
  4. Butterworth, B. (2025). Dyscalculia. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003441762
  5. Carney, S. (2022). Reimagining our futures together: A new social contract for education. Comparative Education, 58(4), 568–569. https://doi.org/10.1080/03050068.2022.2102326
  6. Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B. (2011). The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta-analysis of school-based universal interventions. Child Development, 82(1), 405–432. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01564.x
  7. Eisman, A. B., Koffkey, C., Fridline, J., Harvey, C., Hasson, R. E., Palinkas, L. A., & Kilbourne, A. M. (2025). Implementation strategies for school-based universal prevention: A qualitative pilot study of enhanced and standard replicating effective programs. Implementation Research and Practice, 6, 26334895251330520. https://doi.org/10.1177/26334895251330520
  8. Farrell, P. (2010). School psychology: Learning lessons from history and moving forward. School Psychology International, 31(6), 581–598. https://doi.org/10.1177/0143034310386533
  9. Fenning, P., Pearrow, M., & Politikos, N. (2022). NASP 2020 professional practice standards: Applications and opportunities for school-based consultation. Journal of Educational and Psychological Consultation, 33(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1080/10474412.2022.2154675
  10. Freeman, M. (2022). The World Mental Health Report: Transforming mental health for all. World Psychiatry, 21(3), 391–392. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.21018
  11. Greenberg, M. T., Weissberg, R. P., O’Brien, M. U., Zins, J. E., Fredericks, L., Resnik, H., & Elias, M. J. (2003). Enhancing school-based prevention and youth development through coordinated social, emotional, and academic learning. American Psychologist, 58(6–7), 466–474. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.58.6-7.466
  12. Haft, S. L., Duong, P. H., Ho, T. C., Hendren, R. L., & Hoeft, F. (2019). Anxiety and attentional bias in children with specific learning disorders. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 47(3), 487–497. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-018-0458-y
  13. Hajovsky, D. B., Maki, K. E., Niileksela, C. R., & McGill, R. J. (2025). Science and practice of identifying specific learning disabilities: Kind conversations about a wicked problem. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 43(4), 359–379. https://doi.org/10.1177/07342829251328205
  14. Hoagwood, K. E., Olin, S. S., Kerker, B. D., Kratochwill, T. R., Crowe, M., & Saka, N. (2007). Empirically based school interventions targeted at academic and mental health functioning. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, 15(2), 66–92. https://doi.org/10.1177/10634266070150020301
  15. Hong, Y., & Zeng, M. L. (2022). International classification of diseases (ICD). Knowledge Organization, 49(7), 496–528. https://doi.org/10.5771/0943-7444-2022-7-496
  16. Humphrey, N., & Mullins, P. M. (2002). Self‐concept and self‐esteem in developmental dyslexia. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 2(2). https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-3802.2002.00163.x
  17. Lyon, G. R., Shaywitz, S. E., & Shaywitz, B. A. (2003). A definition of dyslexia. Annals of Dyslexia, 53(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11881-003-0001-9
  18. Margalit, M. (2004). Second‐generation research on resilience: Social‐emotional aspects of children with learning disabilities. Learning Disabilities Research and Practice, 19(1), 45–48. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-5826.2004.00088.x
  19. Mugnaini, D., Lassi, S., La Malfa, G., & Albertini, G. (2009). Internalizing correlates of dyslexia. World Journal of Pediatrics, 5(4), 255–264. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12519-009-0049-7
  20. Nelson, J. M., & Harwood, H. (2011). Learning disabilities and anxiety: A meta-analysis. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 44(1), 3–17. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022219409359939
  21. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2021). Beyond academic learning: First results from the survey of social and emotional skills. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/92a11084-en

Students with learning difficulties face challenges that extend far beyond academics, often affecting their emotional, behavioural, and social well-being. Persistent struggles in reading, writing, spelling, and mathematics contribute to frustration, anxiety, low self-esteem, and reduced motivation. Experiences of bullying, stigma, and inadequate psychological support further undermine classroom engagement and peer relationships, underscoring the need for integrated educational and mental health interventions. This narrative review synthesises literature published between 2015 and 2025, alongside landmark studies, to examine psychological and educational support for students with learning difficulties, with a particular focus on mental well-being. Evidence was drawn from psychology, education, and school-based interventions, as well as reports from international organisations. Thematic analysis revealed consistent vulnerabilities among these students, including heightened risks of anxiety, stress, depression, and behavioural difficulties. Effective strategies identified include early identification, counselling, social and emotional learning (SEL) programmes, differentiated instruction, positive reinforcement, and family involvement. Inclusive school environments and collaboration among teachers, counsellors, psychologists, and parents emerged as critical for fostering resilience, confidence, and sustained engagement. The review concludes that mental well-being must be treated as an integral component of educational support. For developing countries such as India, where resources and awareness remain limited, longitudinal and intervention-based research is urgently needed. By integrating applied psychology with inclusive educational practices, schools can strengthen both academic achievement and holistic student development.

Keywords : Learning Difficulties; Mental Well-Being; Psychological Support; Inclusive Education; School Counselling; School Psychology.

Paper Submission Last Date
30 - September - 2026

SUBMIT YOUR PAPER CALL FOR PAPERS
Video Explanation for Published paper

Never miss an update from Papermashup

Get notified about the latest tutorials and downloads.

Subscribe by Email

Get alerts directly into your inbox after each post and stay updated.
Subscribe
OR

Subscribe by RSS

Add our RSS to your feedreader to get regular updates from us.
Subscribe