Author: Amandeep Kaur
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/03050004
Abstract: This qualitative study explores the emotional experiences of high-achieving students facing anxiety, examining how academic pressures impact their psychological well-being. Utilizing semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, the research delves into students’ lived experiences, perceptions, and coping mechanisms related to anxiety. Participants included fifteen academically successful undergraduate students from diverse educational backgrounds. Thematic analysis revealed three primary themes: the hidden burden of academic excellence, coping strategies and support systems, and the profound impact of anxiety on overall well-being. Findings highlight that high achievers often mask their anxiety behind a façade of academic success, contributing to underdiagnosis and insufficient support. Students primarily reported employing personal coping strategies such as isolation, perfectionism, and overachievement, while institutional support was perceived as limited. This study emphasizes the necessity for increased awareness, tailored psychological interventions, and institutional support frameworks to address anxiety among academically successful students. These insights could assist educators, psychologists, and policy makers in designing targeted mental health programs that better address the complex needs of high-achieving yet anxious students.
Keywords: Anxiety, High-achieving students, Emotional wellbeing, Academic pressure, Coping mechanisms, Qualitative study
Page No: 60-70