Toxic Achievement Parenting: Dampak Obsesi Prestasi Orang Tua terhadap Kesehatan Mental Anak

Abstract

The increasing phenomenon of academic pressure within modern families has given rise to a parenting pattern excessively oriented toward children’s achievements, commonly referred to as toxic achievement parenting. This parenting style is characterized by high parental expectations regarding academic success, strict control, and the tendency to evaluate children primarily based on their achievements. This study aims to analyze the impact of parental obsession with achievement on children’s mental health, particularly in relation to anxiety, academic stress, emotional burnout, and decreased self-esteem. The research employs a qualitative approach using a phenomenological study method to explore children’s psychological experiences in dealing with achievement pressure within the family environment. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation studies involving middle school students and several parents in urban educational settings. The findings reveal that toxic achievement parenting significantly contributes to various psychological problems among children, including fear of failure, social anxiety, loss of intrinsic motivation, emotional disconnection from parents, and tendencies toward mild depression. The novelty of this research lies in its integrative analysis of achievement-oriented parenting patterns and children’s mental health dynamics within the context of a competitive modern culture. This study recommends strengthening positive parenting practices and implementing child-centered educational approaches that prioritize psychological well-being in order to create a more supportive and emotionally healthy family environment.