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DOI: https://doi.org/10.63345/ijrmp.v12.i5.5
Ms. Pragya Goel
North East Christian University
Nagaland, India
Dr. C.K. Senthil Kumar
Supervisor
North East Christian University
Nagaland, India
Abstract— In contemporary urban societies, adolescents are increasingly exposed to intense academic competition, heightened parental expectations, and pervasive social comparison facilitated by digital media. While academic achievement is often equated with success and social mobility, excessive pressure to perform can adversely affect adolescents’ psychological well-being. One emerging but underexplored mental health concern in this context is high-functioning anxiety, a condition in which individuals maintain outward success and competence while experiencing significant internal distress. This paper examines the interrelationship between perfectionism, academic pressure, and high-functioning anxiety among urban teenagers.
Drawing upon psychological theories of perfectionism, stress, and anxiety, this paper explores how adaptive and maladaptive forms of perfectionism interact with academic demands to influence adolescents’ emotional and cognitive functioning. The paper synthesizes existing empirical research, conceptual frameworks, and socio-cultural factors that shape urban adolescents’ experiences. It further discusses the implications of high-functioning anxiety for academic performance, interpersonal relationships, and long-term mental health. By highlighting the hidden nature of distress among high-achieving students, this study underscores the need for early identification, supportive educational practices, and integrated mental health interventions. The paper concludes with recommendations for educators, parents, mental health professionals, and policymakers.
Keywords— Perfectionism, academic pressure, high-functioning anxiety, urban adolescents, mental health, educational stress