fear of success

a fear of accomplishing one’s goals or succeeding in society, or a tendency to avoid doing so. Fear of success was originally thought to be experienced primarily by women, because striving for success was held to place a woman in conflict between a general need for achievement and social values that tell her not to achieve “too much.” It is now thought that men and women are equally likely to experience fear of success. Also called fear of success syndrome; Horner effect. See also Jonah complex. [first proposed in 1969 by U.S. psychologist Matina Horner (1939– )]

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Psychology term of the day

March 13th 2025

referral

1. the act of directing a patient to a therapist, physician, agency, or institution for evaluation, consultation, or treatment.

2. the individual who is so referred. —refer vb.