SCHOOL FAILURE: Psychological distress pushes students toward dropping out
In school, failure is a silent ordeal that many students endure with pain. For some, a bad grade or a failed exam is not simply a poor performance: it’s a real psychological earthquake. Discouragement, anxiety, and loss of self-esteem can slide into deep depression, leading many young people to permanently abandon school, convinced that their future is sealed. BBN investigates this issue through a survey to reveal the keys to coping.
While the distress is psychological, its roots are sometimes purely material. Financial difficulties act as the primary factor of exclusion. Lacking the resources to pay for supplies or tuition fees, bright students find their progress cut short. This is the painful realization of Ariano: « For me, it’s because of a lack of resources that I couldn’t continue my studies. » “
This economic barrier is often compounded by an emotional void. Deprived of family or moral support, many teenagers find themselves alone facing their academic difficulties. To escape this impasse, many prefer to give up and prematurely turn to the job market or apprenticeships.
The major danger today lies in the fact that young people too often equate academic failure with personal failure. They feel worthless overall. Clinical psychologist Fanny Guedj is sounding the alarm and urging us to break this cycle of guilt: failure never defines a person’s worth. On the contrary, it is a normal part of the learning process.
Without a sympathetic ear, this feeling of inadequacy can plunge the student into a destructive spiral: chronic stress, social isolation, and depression. Yet, another way of understanding failure is possible.” The philosopher and educator Charles Pépin beautifully summarizes this idea: “Our failures are spoils, sometimes even true treasures.”
Every stumble is an opportunity to develop resilience, understand our mistakes, and better prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.
To reverse this trend, specialists agree on one point: therapy through listening. Parents, teachers, school psychologists, and classmates must form a chain of solidarity around the struggling student. Valuing effort rather than the result helps maintain motivation and defuse psychological distress.
To students currently navigating this turbulent period, experts send a message of hope and reassurance. Success does not validate a life, and a grade does not define intelligence. Fanny Guedj emphasizes this point:
“What’s important is that you understand; it’s not necessarily the grade.” «
Academic failure is not a life sentence. With a supportive environment, appropriate psychological guidance, and a shift in perspective on mistakes, it can become a powerful catalyst for growth. Restoring confidence to our youth is now essential to enabling them to shape their own future with peace of mind.
✍️ By ALLOGBE Déodora (Intern)
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