Warning: The Double Weight of Psychological Pressure Ahead of End-of-Year Exams
As end-of-year exams approach, sociologist Mohamed Nakoua has sounded the alarm on the double burden of psychological pressure, both internal and external, that weighs heavily on students. This pressure not only threatens the mental health balance but also the performance of candidates.
Mohamed Nakoua, a specialist in the sociology of education, stated on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, that students, particularly those in terminal classes but also those in other levels, are subjected to two types of psychological pressure. The first pressure is internal and is linked to the student's own expectations, while the second pressure is external and is linked to the expectations of the family nucleus and the social environment. This phenomenon, he warns, directly affects the mental health and academic performance of the individual.
In a statement to the Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP) agency, Mr. Nakoua explained that the student exposes themselves to internal pressure by setting the bar of their expectations beyond their real capabilities. They may also become prey to comparisons with their peers, whether they are the same age, more advanced, or at a lower level, noting that this external factor can be double-edged. He added that the student may either assume their responsibilities or, on the contrary, indulge in idleness throughout the year while nurturing disproportionate hopes of success without providing the necessary effort.
Too Many Precautions Can Be Harmful
The specialist believes that external pressure primarily resides in the excessive expectations of the family. This pressure often translates into an overload of private lessons aimed at immediate results, which transforms learning into a simple process of memorization at the expense of thought construction. And this, while exhausting the financial resources of parents. In some cases, he adds, and specifically for baccalaureate students, parents even accumulate several teachers for a single subject.
Mr. Nakoua also highlighted that many families seek social validation by prioritizing certain professions over others. This social determinism strongly conditions school orientation, without leaving the student the necessary margin of freedom to choose their field of study based on their abilities and personal aspirations.
Conclusion: A Call to Families
In conclusion, Mohamed Nakoua calls on families to establish a positive atmosphere, far from toxic comparisons. He recommends supporting the child psychologically while promoting moments of relaxation to evacuate negative energies and ensuring a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, avoiding stimulants (caffeine), and respecting sleep cycles.
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