Final answer:
Students lacking a strong support system are more susceptible to depression, which can impair their academic performance due to compromised cognitive functions like memory and focus.
Step-by-step explanation:
Students with a low support system are at a higher risk of becoming depressed. A strong support system, which may include friends and family, plays a critical role in preventing depression by providing emotional support and helping to cope with stress. Without this support, students may experience feelings of loneliness and an increased vulnerability to depression. Additionally, an empowering educational environment that fosters a sense of autonomy and encourages healthy coping strategies can be significantly helpful for those with a predisposition towards internal, global, and stable attributions for negative life events, which are linked to depression.
Furthermore, the impact of depression on education quality cannot be understated. It can result in cognitive side-effects such as difficulty focusing, trouble learning new skills, and impaired memory and reasoning factors that affect a student's ability to succeed academically. Strategies like peer mentoring, practicing healthy attribution habits, and providing supportive resources can make a pivotal difference for students who might otherwise struggle.