Psychology of Senioritis
In this article, Angie writes about that age-old affliction: Senioritis.
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SENIORITIS
SENIORITIS
By Angie Dixon
By Angie Dixon
In the twilight of academic pursuits, an affliction known as senioritis descends upon students with an almost poetic inevitability-- a phenomenon born from psychological factors, influencing and shaping the motivations of all individuals. As the journey through schooling nears its conclusion, the allure of newfound freedoms and the impending transition to adulthood results in decreased effort and rising apprehension toward the future. The once-ardent pursuit of knowledge, now tempered by the tantalizing prospect of liberation, causes students to surrender to complacency-- both out of fear of change and anticipation for graduation.
Psychologically, senioritis finds its roots in a delicate balance between eagerness and the daunting possibilities that lay ahead of students. According to an article by SNHU, “senioritis can be caused by a few different factors, including detachment anxiety or a desire to get started on the next chapter of your life.” The anticipation of the future, brimming with possibilities and promises, casts a spell of detachment upon the present. Dreams of post-graduation adventures and career aspirations cast long shadows over the immediate responsibilities of students, rendering them seemingly inconsequential and unimportant. This anticipation, tinged with a hint of impatience, lures the mind away from the rigors of study, enticing it with the ephemeral pleasures of leisure.
Conversely, anxiety simmers beneath the surface, a subtle undercurrent that tugs at the conscience of seniors. As stated by the National Library of Medicine, “ fear of failure is the cause of increased procrastination…individuals look to escape a task in order to relieve negative feelings such as anxiety.” The looming specter of uncertainty, of what lies beyond the familiar halls of high school, whispers doubts and insecurities into the minds of even the most steadfast scholars– resulting in increased feelings of stress and, ultimately, procrastination. Faced with the prospect of carving out a place in the world, doubts about one's abilities and worthiness take root, sowing seeds of hesitation and apprehension. In response, the mind seeks solace in temporary enjoyment; a momentary respite to escape the weighty burdens of the future.
Amidst the turmoil of conflicting emotions, senioritis emerges not as a sign of weakness, but as a testament to the human experience. It is a fleeting rebellion against the constraints of expectation and obligation-- a way for seniors to find consolation from the pressures of high school and their newfound independence; a whisper of resilience that will carry them forward into the uncharted territories of adulthood.
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