Analyzing the influence of glossophobia on high schoolers in Sais Sharjah

This research study investigates the influence of glossophobia, the fear of public speaking, and its associated impacts on high school students in Sharjah American International School. Focusing on the psychological and academic impacts of glossophobia on adolescents, which has not been thoroughly studied, this research utilizes a mixed-methods approach. It combines quantitative surveys along with qualitative interviews, to grab a conceptual understanding to certain behaviors during public speaking engagements for a purposive sample from SAIS Sharjah’s diverse student population. The quantitative part addresses the participants’ perception of public speaking alongside the perceived symptom severity and frequency of anxiety, as well as coping strategies employed. The results of the study are expected to reinforce the need to decrease the negligence towards glossophobia in students as an important barrier to academic achievement and personal development in students. It also aims to address the wider discussion of adolescent mental health issues and communication skills.