Recent research in German schools has found that certain factors influence learned helplessness in students. Learned helplessness has enduring implications for students and can occur in multiple environments and contexts — and, importantly, it is more prevalent in girls. Prevention strategies, such as teacher-student relationships and a sense of belonging are protective but must start early, and the threat of exclusion can interfere with their efficacy.

An international review found that cultural perceptions, economic and institutional resources and sources of information influenced the experience of menstruation and management. Many young girls still experience shame and secrecy around the concept of menstruation and research confirmed that ‘developed’ nations like Australia are not immune to the shame and taboo that surrounds menstruation.

Recent research by UK-based researchers explored the impact of parent and carer’s attitudes and beliefs on children’s participation in physics. While no causal relationship between ‘parental attitudes and student outcomes’ was found, the authors did conclude that parent beliefs about their child’s likeliness to get a Physics A-level or work in a physics-related field has the potential to impact girls’ self-concept.