Academic Competition: A Double-Edged Sword

WRITTEN BY FATHIMATH AFA AHMED CLASS OF 2025

This blog focuses on the types of competitive attitudes and the pros and cons of academic competition among medical students.

INTRODUCTION

Medicine is a highly competitive and sought after field, with only select individuals being admitted into medical schools. This is also true for postgraduate applications and residency programs in which the admission process is primarily merit-based. Healthy academic competition allows students to recognize their respective strengths and weaknesses, encourages self-improvement, and thereby boosts performance. However, studies have shown that academic competition among university students is associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety. Let's delve deeper into the types of competitive behaviour and the possible benefits and downsides of academic competition.

TYPES OF COMPETITIVE BEHAVIOR

There are two main types of competitive attitudes: personal development competitive attitude (PDCA) and hypercompetitive attitude (HCA)

Students with PDCA focus more on self-improvement and personal growth. Such students do not view others as obstacles to achievement but rather as a means of learning and self-discovery. On the contrary, students with HCA prioritize winning above all else, and this drive to succeed is accompanied by a hostile, manipulative, exploitative, and dismissive mindset. HCA is associated with numerous pathological behaviours, including lower levels of self-esteem and higher levels of neuroticism, which essentially means that they are at a higher risk of mental health disorders.

PROS OF ACADEMIC COMPETITION

·         One of the more obvious benefits is that competition enhances learning. It encourages students to do in-depth research and gain novel insights that they might otherwise not have encountered. In other words, it sparks curiosity and facilitates independent learning.

·         Enhance critical and strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

·         Equip students for future academic and professional challenges by providing them with the experience they need to succeed in a competitive society.

·         Competition can motivate students to step out of their comfort zones and take risks. They’re not discouraged by failure but rather see it as an opportunity to learn and simply try again. This promotes resilience and growth on an intellectual and emotional level.

·         Learning how to balance university work, extracurriculars, and personal life. A good study life balance is important to avoid burnout

·         Competitive students are more likely to take on leadership roles. Such roles teach communication skills, confidence, humility, empathy, and integrity. It is important to hone these qualities as future doctors!

CONS OF ACADEMIC COMPETITION

The constant pressure to be the best can have devastating consequences if not navigated through properly. Let's take a look at the cons of unhealthy competition among peers.

·         Chronic stress and burnout: Burnout can negatively impact your academic performance, mental and physical health.

·         Anxiety and sleep disturbances: Excessive competitiveness can strain interpersonal relationships, which can lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety. Generalized anxiety disorders result in poor sleep quality, which can manifest as initial insomnia, maintenance insomnia, or early morning awakening. The worsening sleep quality can in turn lead to impaired cognitive, emotional, as well as immunological functions.

·         Depression is prevalent among university students, especially medical students. Not all students adapt well to the transition from school to university life. It can be difficult to adjust to life away from parents and relatives and cope with academic pressure. While some studies have shown that depression is seen mostly in undergraduates with lower grades, other studies show that the incidence is higher in seniors. Multiple stressors, including academic performance, pressure to succeed, and uncertainty surrounding life after graduation, can be responsible. Depression and anxiety can significantly impact medical students’ education and social and emotional well-being and potentially jeopardize their career.

·         Self-doubt and loss of confidence: It might be draining to continuously strive for the top and compare yourself to your peers. You may start questioning your capabilities and find it difficult to accept failure. Your confidence can be gradually undermined by setting unreasonable expectations for yourself and holding yourself to a higher standard

CONCLUSION

Academic competition to some degrees can be helpful. It allows students to discover their maximum potential and produce exceptional results. It also enables students to acquire skills such as leadership that cannot be taught in a classroom. On the other hand, excessive competition can negatively impact a student's physical and mental well-being in the long term. Anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and chronic stress are widespread, especially among medical students. Therefore, academic competition is often a double-edged sword. While academic performance should be prioritized, it should not be at the expense of your emotional well-being!