The Success Trap: How the Pressure to Stand Out Is Fueling Anxiety, Depression, and Burnout in Teens

Or do they perhaps experience something in between, perhaps disappointment and a desire to do better next time, and then move on to the next thing? Typical emotional reactions include feelings of fear and tearfulness, and entreaties to avoid participation in the event if that is the source of stress. Frequently, parents travel to visit colleges with their teens, falling in love with some of them along the way, even while finding it hard to imagine that their child might be living there, away from home, all too soon. In the end, they may find themselves at the academic finish line not really knowing who they are or what they want out of life.