Self-imposed pressure

Self-imposed pressure refers to the internal stress and anxiety which individuals generate by setting unrealistic expectations or standards for themselves.^[1]^[2] This pressure often originates from personal beliefs and thoughts about what one "should" achieve or become.^[2]

Internal pressures are typically distinguished from external pressures, which are imposed by other individuals or by societal norms.^[1] Examples of internal pressures include setting unattainable daily goals, feeling obligated to meet the perceived needs of others in every possible way, and striving for perfection across all areas of life.^[1]^[2]These pressures may manifest physically and psychologically, with symptoms that are often similar to those caused by external stressors.^[3]^[2]

The human body can respond to pressure and stress even in the absence of conscious awareness.^[3] Neglecting these internal stressors may result in missed opportunities for mitigation, potentially affecting both physical and mental health.^[3]^[1] Prolonged self-imposed pressure can have adverse effects on various aspects of life, including personal well-being, academic performance, and professional productivity.^[2] Common consequences include heightened stress, anxiety, burnout, and diminished overall functioning.^[3]^[2]

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Gonzalez, Madison (2023-01-23). "What's The Difference Between Internal And External Pressures And How Do I Deal With Them?". Bloomerang. Retrieved 2025-04-13.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Shrivastava, Nitish. "The Dual Pressures Of Workplace: Navigating Self-Imposed Pressure And Peer Pressure". Forbes. Retrieved 2025-04-13.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Grawitch, Matthew J.; Werth, Paul M.; Palmer, Sarah N.; Erb, Kaitlyn R.; Lavigne, Kristi N. (April 2018). "Self-imposed pressure or organizational norms? Further examination of the construct of workplace telepressure". Stress and Health: Journal of the International Society for the Investigation of Stress. 34 (2): 306–319. doi:10.1002/smi.2792. ISSN 1532-2998. PMID 29235229.

[:0-1] Gonzalez, Madison (2023-01-23). "What's The Difference Between Internal And External Pressures And How Do I Deal With Them?". Bloomerang. Retrieved 2025-04-13.

[:1-2] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Shrivastava, Nitish. "The Dual Pressures Of Workplace: Navigating Self-Imposed Pressure And Peer Pressure". Forbes. Retrieved 2025-04-13.

[:2-3] Grawitch, Matthew J.; Werth, Paul M.; Palmer, Sarah N.; Erb, Kaitlyn R.; Lavigne, Kristi N. (April 2018). "Self-imposed pressure or organizational norms? Further examination of the construct of workplace telepressure". Stress and Health: Journal of the International Society for the Investigation of Stress. 34 (2): 306–319. doi:10.1002/smi.2792. ISSN 1532-2998. PMID 29235229.

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