Managing performance pressure -

Do you experience performance pressure or fear of failure during your studies? In this activity, you will explore how to manage these challenges and gradually build greater confidence in yourself.

What will you do?

During the sessions, you will explore your personal triggers and behavioural patterns. You will identify what causes stress or pressure for you and use evidence-based approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and positive psychology. You will practise new behaviours in both academic and practical settings. In group sessions, you will share experiences and learn from fellow students, creating a safe and supportive environment where you can encourage one another. At the end of the activity, you will present your personal development in a five-minute presentation using a poster.

What will you learn?

You will develop greater self-awareness and learn to recognise your own behaviours, emotions, and patterns. You will practise strategies for managing stress and uncertainty while building healthy routines that support both your mental and physical wellbeing.

Features

Starting block(s)

Block 1, Block 3

Start time(s)

01 September 2026
01 February 2027

Programme

Vitality & wellbeing

Education language

Dutch

Location

HZ Vlissingen

Course code

HZX0023

Credits

1.25

Course year

2026

Structure of the activity "Managing performance pressure"

Jolanda Kasse

Vitality & wellbeing

1.4 Self-awareness
The student reflects on their own behaviour in (complex) situations and identifies actions that contribute to regulating emotions or improving personal effectiveness.

5.3 Optimism
The student develops healthy habits and routines for their own physical, emotional and mental health, thereby demonstrating confidence in their own ability (self-efficacy) to successfully contribute to meaningful change.

The activity focuses on dealing with performance pressure and fear of failure. Students work individually on exploring tools from ACT and positive psychology that can support them in this. In addition, there are group sessions in which students share emotions and experiences with one another. This helps them become more aware of their own process and learn from each other. They are also given room to experiment with new behaviour.

Self-awareness – in practice

The student can describe, in concrete situations, what behaviour they displayed and why.
The student identifies which emotions were involved and recognises patterns in their own reactions.
The student consciously selects and applies strategies (e.g. breathing, taking a break, helpful thoughts) to regulate emotions.
The student formulates actions that contribute to improving personal effectiveness and demonstrates putting these into practice.
The student is able to articulate the effect of these actions on their own functioning.

Optimism – in practice

The student can describe their own routines and habits that contribute to physical, emotional and mental health.
The student actively applies these routines and demonstrates consistency in doing so.
The student shows confidence in their own abilities by taking on challenges and persisting through setbacks.
The student articulates how their efforts contribute to positive change, for themselves or in a given situation.
The student demonstrates through their behaviour that they believe they can influence the achievement of meaningful goals.