Between Ambition and Anxiety: Academic Stress and the Fear of Failure Among Students of Bangladesh’s Four Autonomous Universities

Nazmul Hasan Raz; Yeasir Arafat; Mahbubul Alam; Shammi Islam

doi:10.59890/ijaamr.v3i10.115

Authors

Nazmul Hasan Raz University of Rajshahi
Yeasir Arafat University of Rajshahi
Mahbubul Alam University of Rajshahi
Shammi Islam University of Rajshahi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59890/ijaamr.v3i10.115

Keywords:

Academic Stress, Fear of Failure, Mental Health, University Students in Bangladesh

Abstract

This study explores the complex relationship between ambition and anxiety by examining the academic stress and fear of failure experienced by students at four autonomous universities in Bangladesh: University of Dhaka, University of Rajshahi, Jahangirnagar University, and University of Chittagong. A structured questionnaire with both Likert-scale and open-ended questions was used in data collection applying a mixed-methods approach. It examines the role of academic pressure, family expectations, self-comparison, and institutional inadequacies in contributing to the mental and emotional struggles of students. The findings revealed that most of the respondents were found to be having chronic anxiety about their academic performance; they tend to associate their self-worth with their success in work. Physically, emotionally, and socially exhausted respondents reported symptoms due to academic stress. Qualitative responses point to insufficient support for mental health under a culture of silence about vulnerability and very deeply rooted disappointment potential from family members. The study shows the quick need for whole help systems— including school mental wellness services, parent understanding, and friend support groups to lessen the fear of messing up and advance student wellness in Bangladesh higher learning fields

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