SocioSphere
Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): SocioSphere: Interdisciplinary Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities

The Silence Behind Achievement: A Phenomenological Study on the Mental Health of Outstanding Students

Riska Adinda Putri Siregar (Universitas Islam Negeri Syekh Ali Hasan Ahmad Addary Padangsidimpuan)
Anisah Fitri Tanjung (Universitas Islam Negeri Syekh Ali Hasan Ahmad Addary Padangsidimpuan)
Syahnira Wan Aisyah Nasution (Universitas Islam Negeri Syekh Ali Hasan Ahmad Addary Padangsidimpuan)
Uci Wardiana Harahap (Universitas Islam Negeri Syekh Ali Hasan Ahmad Addary Padangsidimpuan)
Sarita Riski (Universitas Islam Negeri Syekh Ali Hasan Ahmad Addary Padangsidimpuan)
Sandi Pradana (STAI Ma’arif Kalirejo Lampung Tengah)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jul 2025

Abstract

High-achieving students are often seen as strong and successful figures, but in reality, many of them experience hidden psychological stress. This study is important to reveal the silent side behind academic achievement that is often overlooked, especially related to mental health. This study aims to understand the subjective experiences of high-achieving students in dealing with academic and social pressure and how they respond to mental health conditions that arise as a result. The method used in this study uses a qualitative approach with a phenomenological study design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 15 active students at the State Islamic University who had a GPA ≥ 3.5 and had achieved academic or non-academic achievements. Data analysis was carried out using a thematic approach based on the Braun and Clarke procedure. The results of the study showed five main themes: achievement pressure and academic anxiety, social loneliness and alienation, coping strategies for stress, the need for social support, and the role of perfectionism in influencing mental conditions. High-achieving students were shown to experience high stress but had varying coping mechanisms. This study aims to emphasize the importance of the role of educational institutions in providing a safe and inclusive psychological support space for high-achieving students so that achievement can go hand in hand with mental well-being.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

Sociosphere

Publisher

Subject

Social Sciences

Description

SocioSphere: Interdisciplinary journal of Social Sciences and Humanities is a peer-reviewed, open-access publication dedicated to furthering interdisciplinary research that approaches the varied domains of social sciences and humanities. Our mission is to create an extensive comprehension of human ...