'Fear of failure serious concern among GenZ'

The fear of failure is becoming a serious issue among young people in Pakistan due to inflation and unemployment. Many young people believe that a wrong decision or failure in an examination could determine their entire future in education, employment and personal life.

Dr Kamal Tarrar, a psychologist practising in Islamabad, said that when young people were taught that their worth was linked only to success, failure became a symbol of fear rather than an opportunity to learn.

"An intense fear of failure can lead to anxiety, depression and emotional problems. Therefore, timely psychological support is necessary," she said while speaking to Express.

She said young people in societies where failure was considered a source of disgrace avoided trying new opportunities, taking positive risks and using their creative abilities. She said considering failure part of the learning process rather than a personal defeat was essential for mental resilience and emotional health.

Maryam, a university student, said the fear of failing examinations often forced her to stay awake throughout the night because delays in education could place an additional financial burden on her family.

However, she said a reasonable level of fear made a person feel responsible and encouraged them to work hard, provided it did not affect their mental health.

She said that even after passing an examination, she could not see any future ahead.

On the other hand, Farah Khan, the human resources manager of a leading Pakistani company, said employers valued people who faced difficulties, learned from them and moved forward rather than those with an entirely flawless record.

According to her, perseverance and the ability to adapt to circumstances were more valuable than a continuous record of success.

People in society are often judged on the basis of their success, profession and financial status, causing young people to fear criticism, disappointment and embarrassment. Social media has also increased this pressure, with posts showcasing daily successes forcing young people to make unnecessary comparisons with others.

The fear of failure is not limited to education but also affects young people in job selection, interviews, businesses, relationships and social interactions. Saima Nozain said young female students should pursue cooking and chef training as there was considerable demand in the field.