Have you ever heard the term atychiphobia? If your answer is negative, it is much more likely that you have heard someone say that they are afraid of failing. Perhaps you have even experienced firsthand the fear of “not measuring up,” “not meeting expectations,” or “not measuring up.”
If it has ever happened to you, or if you have known someone who has, you will know the serious impact it can have on people’s lives. Precisely for this reason, it is so important that we become aware of this reality and try to understand it better.
In this article we will address the main aspects related to atychiphobia. We lay the foundations by defining, contextualizing and talking about its main symptoms. Next, we will address the possible causes and consequences derived from this situation. Finally, we will talk about coping strategies.
Atychiphobia, better known as the fear of failure is currently not among the most well-known and currently used diagnostic classifications (ICD-11 and DSM5) since broader diagnostic categories such as generalized anxiety disorder, for example, are usually included.
However, it is indisputable that many people have experienced this fear at some point in their lives. We must keep in mind that fear, in itself, is not pathological nor is there anything wrong with feeling it. On the contrary, it is among the emotions considered universal and it is completely normal and adaptive to feel afraid at certain times.
However, in certain situations, such as atychiphobia, It becomes so intense, lasts so long, and has such a strong impact on people’s lives that it is considered a maladaptive fear.
The symptoms of atychiphobia may vary slightly depending on each person and their vital learning or resources. The most frequently observed symptoms are mentioned below:
Causes of atychiphobia
The causes of atychiphobia are diverse and it may be that some people are affected or impacted more by some aspects than others. Those that stand out mainly have to do with both personal experiences and individual learning as well as social and external factors.
On the one hand, we cannot forget that we live in a society in which there is increasing pressure regarding people’s performance. Very high and usually unattainable standards are established in all areas of people’s lives, not just at the work level. And, if that were not enough, there is usually a great stigma associated with “failure.”
Furthermore, on a social level, comparison with other people and the “successes” they achieve are also greatly enhanced. It is vital to remember that, today, we can find a lot of manipulated information on social networks and the media and that we may be comparing ourselves to fictitious “realities” or even created with artificial intelligence.
As if that were not enough, these external demands that are imposed at a social level could be fueled and worsened by closer environments such as the family itself. It is crucial to review what values we have internalized in the family environment and what parenting style we have received. (having had very demanding or critical parents can be a risk factor).
At an individual level, there are several aspects that may also be interfering. From past experiences in which a “failure” – real or perceived – has increased the intensity of the fear of “failing” again to other aspects such as low self-esteem, high insecurity, the tendency towards perfectionism or even the fear of success.
Consequences derived from atychiphobia
With everything discussed so far, it is to be expected that the consequences derived from this situation will not be few or innocuous. We have seen that people who suffer from atychiphobia tend to perfection, procrastinate and avoid certain situations. This can lead to blockage and loss of new opportunities.
This could mean that people feel and see themselves limited when it comes to achieving their own objectives or goals and that they feel that their development, whether in the personal or work sphere, is stagnant or paralyzed.
Besides, Interpersonal relationships can also be affected by one’s own insecurities and limitations. This, together with avoidant behaviors, can lead to a greater tendency toward social isolation with the consequent psychological and emotional impact that this generates.
Without a doubt, all of these situations—which add stress to what already exists—can have a serious impact on people’s mental health. In this sense, other types of mental health pathologies such as anxiety disorders or even depression could end up developing.
How to deal with it?
The best intervention strategy is good prevention. In this sense, we should work at a social level to review the messages we have created about the interpretation of errors. On the other hand, we should also be aware of how unattainable most of the goals or objectives that are imposed on us or that we intend to achieve are.
Perhaps it sounds utopian, but it would be ideal if, as a society, we could make the necessary changes to see making mistakes as a possibility to learn and integrate new lessons. Even see mistakes as new opportunities.
At an individual level, there are many strategies that can help us deal with this situation. Aspects such as cultivating compassion and having a good support network are crucial in the process. It may also be helpful to practice mindfulness and learn relaxation techniques. Likewise, it is crucial to learn to set realistic goals.
Although it will depend on each person and the intensity of their discomfort, it is advisable to seek psychological help since the process requires several points of intervention and it is interesting that there is a specialized professional who can adapt the treatment to the needs of each person. .
