Exploring the Hidden Dimensions of Chronic Shame in Adolescents with Performance Anxiety: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the hidden dimensions of chronic shame in adolescents with performance anxiety using a qualitative phenomenological approach. A qualitative phenomenological design was employed, using semi-structured interviews with adolescents aged 14 to 18 diagnosed with performance anxiety in Tehran. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Eighteen interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis with the support of NVivo software. Credibility was ensured through participant validation and peer debriefing. Three main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) internal experience of chronic shame, (2) family and interpersonal dynamics, and (3) maladaptive coping strategies. Subthemes such as negative self-evaluation, negative self-awareness, critical parenting, social rejection, and behavioral avoidance were prominent in participants' narratives. Adolescents described shame as a persistent and internalized experience affecting their identity, performance, and relationships. Chronic shame in adolescents with performance anxiety is a multifaceted construct rooted in both internal vulnerabilities and relational contexts. The findings underscore the need for psychosocial interventions, parent education, and school-based initiatives to create emotionally safe environments and reduce shame in adolescents.