Fear of failure when studying and writing the thesis

What is fear of failure?

Fear of failure, as the name implies, is the fear of not succeeding. It is a fear of being unable to meet expectations, both personal and external. This fear can be accompanied by physical symptoms like increased heart rate, tense muscles, and sweating, as well as mental symptoms such as memory loss and excessive worry. Although it is not officially recognized as a mental health disorder, fear of failure can result in decreased performance and can even contribute to issues like anxiety disorders, burnout, or depression.

Types of fear of failure

There are different types of fear of failure:

Cognitive performance anxiety: This is when you fear that you are not intelligent enough and often think of yourself as being stupid. This fear of failure becomes problematic when taking exams (resulting in blackout) and when writing a thesis (leading to writer’s block). Nervousness can hinder your performance, even if you have a good grasp of the material. When writing a thesis, the fear of failure can manifest itself through concentration problems, thesis-related stress, and procrastination.
Social fear of failure: This occurs in social situations where your main concern is what others think of you. You often engage in pleasing behavior in order to keep others happy. Social fear of failure is often associated with feelings of insecurity and a negative self-image.
Motor performance anxiety: Also known as performance anxiety, this is when you have difficulty performing specific actions. Your muscles may tense up, causing your body to not function properly when you need to perform.

How common is fear of failure?

Several studies demonstrate that fear of failure is a prevalent issue, alongside other psychological concerns such as depression, sadness, and anxiety. The Dutch Knowledge Center for Anxiety, Coercion, Trauma, and Depression reported in 2019 that one-third of students suffer from fear of failure or depression. A study conducted by the Trimbos Institute on the mental health of higher education students reveals that half of the students experience psychological issues like anxiety and depression. The Intercity Student Consultation (ISO) has also emphasized that numerous students undergo stress and excessive workload during their studies.

What causes fear of failure?

Fear of failure often stems from self-limiting thoughts, such as “I can’t do it.” These thoughts can become more ingrained when you actually begin an assignment or exam and, as a result, obtain an unsatisfactory outcome. This ultimately validates your initial belief: “I can’t do it.” Consequently, this often leads to a negative cycle, where you may opt to not even attempt to start at all.

What are the effects of fear of failure when studying?

The impact of the fear of failure can be significant. Avoiding challenges, being hesitant to ask for help or feedback, and experiencing a downward spiral of self-doubt are just a few examples. The fear of failure can also result in the development of unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as procrastination or perfectionism, which can hinder both academic progress and the well-being of students.

Many students who struggle with the fear of failure face challenges during their studies. They often require more time to complete their coursework, miss deadlines, or even decide to temporarily halt their studies. For some students with the fear of failure, the situation becomes even more complex as they might also be gifted or suffer from depression, burnout, or a functional disability such as autism, ADD, and dyslexia. The combination of fear of failure with these factors frequently poses additional challenges.

Tips to overcome fear of failure when studying and writing your thesis

Writing a thesis can be a particularly challenging task for students who struggle with test anxiety. Here are some tips to help overcome the fear of failure and successfully graduate:

Prepare yourself well: Begin by establishing a clear structure for your thesis and set realistic goals. Choose a topic that interests you and create a detailed plan for the writing process.
Set achievable goals: Be honest with yourself about what you can accomplish within the available time and create a realistic schedule. Focus on the process rather than solely the end result, and be open to making mistakes and learning from them.
Utilize resources: Employ techniques like mind mapping to process information effectively and use the pomodoro method to stay focused while working. Don’t hesitate to ask for help and support from friends, family, or your thesis advisor, and consider seeking external assistance if needed.
Plan for relaxation: Remember to take regular breaks and prioritize relaxation. Engaging in exercise, hobbies, and social activities can help reduce stress levels and boost your energy during the writing process

Would you rather have extra support?

Doesn’t your course offer additional support for the thesis process? If so, it would be beneficial for you to seek external assistance. For instance, an external thesis coach can help you with your planning and the structure of your thesis. Moreover, they can assist you in gaining self-confidence and adjusting your goals to realistic and achievable ones. At Jouw Scriptiecoach, we have several thesis coaches who specialize in addressing learning difficulties, such as fear of failure, including those in combination with functional limitations.

Would you like to learn more about how we can assist you? Schedule a free consultation appointment today.