What defense mechanism do underachieving gifted students often use to avoid failure?

Underachieving gifted students often employ various defense mechanisms to protect themselves from the fear of failure, and it is insightful to consider these strategies together.

Deliberate or subconscious underachieving is a common response. By intentionally or unconsciously lowering their performance, these students can shield themselves from the risk of being labeled as failures. If they do not strive for their full potential, they can avoid the disappointment of falling short of expectations, while still maintaining a façade of ability.

Compulsive high achievement can also serve as a defense mechanism. Some gifted students may push themselves to consistently excel to deflect any fears associated with mediocrity. This can create a paradox where the pressure to succeed becomes overwhelming and may lead to anxiety, further complicating their academic experiences.

An external locus of control represents another aspect of how gifted students cope with performance pressure. By attributing their successes or failures to factors outside their control, such as luck or help from others, they can distance themselves from the responsibility that comes with performance. This can be particularly appealing for those who fear that their abilities might not match their achievements.

In essence, these defense mechanisms—whether engaging in underachievement, striving for constant high performance, or attributing outcomes to external factors—are interrelated