Perceived learning difficulties, school burnout and digital addiction of students in grades 6 to 12

Research on learning difficulties has generally focused on diagnosed learning difficulties and related aspects. The aim of this study is to find out how students in grades 6–12 perceive learning difficulties, and how perceived learning difficulties relate to digital addiction and burnout. This survey was part of a larger electronic survey. This paper used data collected from 8170 students across Estonia enrolled in an inclusive school system in spring 2022. The students were aged between 11 and 20 years. This study used a Perceived Learning Difficulties Scale to collect data, for which the internal consistency of the statements was high. Results showed that learning difficulties were perceived by students in all grades. Nearly a third of the participants reported that learning was difficult for them. A fifth of the students have difficulty understanding the meaning of texts. Perceptions of learning difficulties were similar in the first grades of school level (grades 7 and 10) and in the final grades (grades 9 and 12), as well as in grades 8 and 11. Girls perceived learning difficulties slightly more than boys. A higher perceived learning difficulties composite score was associated with school-related burnout and digital addiction.