Moving the Rock

Student: Michelle van de Looij

Partner: Workplace Vitality Hub

Coach: Eveline Kersten

Understanding pressure to perform to improve WPVH students' well-being

The problem is that students working at the WPVH experience significant stress due to performance pressure, especially during their graduation phase. This pressure is caused by various internal and external factors. Several consequences of this performance pressure:

• Mental health issues: such as stress symptoms, anxiety, depression, and burnout.

• Academic impact: such as reduced focus and poor performance.

• Long-term effects: such as increased dropout rates and limitations in professional functioning.

• Societal costs: such as higher healthcare expenses and economic consequences due to reduced employability.

Question

"What factors influence the perception of performance pressure among Fontys students?"

Method/Response

A qualitative approach was used, involving interviews with 10 students from HRM, Applied Psychology, and Industrial Product Design programs. Thematic analysis revealed that internal factors—such as perfectionism, fear of failure, and self-criticism—play a major role, leading to procrastination, overthinking, and emotional exhaustion. External pressures include expectations from teachers, parents, and internship supervisors, as well as social media comparisons and balancing study, work, and private life. First-generation students and those with a migration background face added societal pressure.

Students cope through emotion-focused (e.g., social support, mindfulness), problem-focused (e.g., time management), and avoidance strategies (e.g., procrastination, withdrawal). While some strategies help, the stress remains a persistent issue.