CHAPTER 3

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter presents, analyzes, and interprets the data obtained from the participants using

interviews. It also presents the thematic analysis of patterns to uncover the meaning of the study.

Participants

● Participant 1 is an unwaveringly diligent eleventh-grade student who made an endeavor to

contend for the position of Protocol Officer within their school's Student Student Leadership

Group (SSLG). Despite not emerging victorious, they persevere as a committed and diligent

learner.

● Participant 2 is aconsistently upholds the ideals of academic excellence within the Student

Student Leadership Group (SSLG). Their unwavering commitment to their studies has resulted in

a consistent record of high achievement and commendation.

●Participant 3, as the president of their section, demonstrates diligent dedication to their studies.

proactively assists classmates and the teacher whenever assistance is needed, exemplifying a

strong sense of responsibility. Participant 3’s commitment to academic excellence extends

beyond personal achievements, as they actively contribute to creating a supportive and

collaborative learning environment.

●Participant 4, is aspired to become the vice president of SSLG, unfortunately did not succeed in

securing the position. However, it is worth noting that Participant 2 hails from the STE

background before reaching the eleventh grade. Despite the setback in the SSLG election,

Participant 4's prior experience in the STE field brings valuable insights and knowledge to their

academic pursuits.
 ●Participant 5 is a cheerful and charismatic student who is actively involved in the SSLG. She is

widely recognized and well-known throughout the campus for their joyful nature. Their engaging

personality has earned them a positive reputation among students and faculty.

I. Feeling towards Smart-shaming

All participants experienced various emotions due to smart shaming. Each

participant had a unique emotional response shaped by their personal experiences and

perspectives. Participant 1 felt that smart shaming was painful and that their efforts to learn

were being minimized. They described feeling hurt by comments that made them feel like

their knowledge was being disregarded:

(Participant 1)

So, you know, it's really painful because I've put in effort to learn things, and it feels like

they're belittling it - saying stuff like “You know too much.”

Participant 2 expressed sadness and feeling bad for being smart, despite not having

done anything to deserve such treatment. They felt disappointed in others' behavior towards

them.

(Participant 2)

I’m really sad because I haven't done anything to them, but they still make me feel

bad for being smart.

Participant 3 experienced a range of intense emotions when subjected to smart shaming.

They felt extreme disappointment in themselves, sadness, and the loss of motivation in every

aspect of their life. The experience was described as intense and something they didn't want

to go through again.
 (Participant 3)

For me, or how can I describe my feelings when I experienced smart shaming, I

think

the feeling I had was extreme disappointment in myself, and I was also very sad at that time.

It reached a point where I realized that, "Oh, I was actually being smart-shamed by others."

Perhaps the ultimate feeling I had at that time was losing all motivation in myself, to the

point where I felt down in every aspect. That was the most intense feeling, and I don't want to

experience it again.

Participant 4 seemed to have a more detached response to smart shaming. They

didn't consider it their problem but attributed it to the ignorance of others. Their reaction

indicated resilience and not allowing the opinions of others to affect their self-worth.

(Participant 4)

Hm.. Usually i feel that its not my problem, but its just that other they are ignorant

Participant 5 felt a mixture of noxiousness and disappointment upon discovering

they had been experiencing smart shaming for a significant period of time. They expressed

feeling unpleasant and disappointed by the realization that they had been subjected to this

behavior for five years.

(Participant 5)

First of all i didn't even know what smart shaming is, up until there was.. there's

someone to told me about it and I feel so noxious that I’ve been experiencing it for almost

five years now. so yah i feel so noxious and at the same time disappointed.
 1.1 General Experience

The participants shared their personal encounters with smart shaming, shedding light

on the emotional impact it has had on them. Each individual had a unique perspective, but

they all described feelings of pain, sadness, embarrassment, and disappointment in

response to being shamed for their intelligence.

(Participant 1)

Since.. Maybe since grade seven, since I entered STE classes. I've been told that I

seem intelligent, but they say it as an insult. That's why sometimes I feel embarrassed to

share what I know or to share my knowledge because I immediately think or feel like I'll be

judged by the people around me.

(Participant 2)

My general experience is that it feels like it coincided with my depression, as if it

made me even more depressed, especially since I didn't do anything to them, yet they still

threw hurtful words at me.

(Participant 3)

In my overall experience, when I went through smart shaming, it coincided with a

time when I was experiencing depression. Yes, as you mentioned, it started with people

commenting on my intelligence, and it eventually led me into a state of depression. It

reached a point where I didn't want to speak up anymore, but I felt the need to express

myself, to the extent that I even considered ending my life.

 (Participant 4)

Hmm. It wasn't always the case that I experienced smart shaming. When I

transferred to a new school, I suddenly became the smartest in our classroom. So many of

them started belittling me because they thought I was trying to be better than them.

(Participant 5)

Well, the people around me seem to think it's normal, umm. But... as someone who

experiences it, I don't know what to feel about their comments. I don't know if they say

those things to encourage me to improve further or if they say them just to make me

experience smart shaming and to make me stronger or whatever, that they want to bring

me down like that

1.2 Narration of th Experiences

(Participant 1)

Since the first time, um, since the first time... um, that I felt smart-shame, if I

remember correctly, it was actually my grandmother.

(Participant 2)

Back then, I wasn't really an achiever in school. But when I started to improve and

achieved high honors, someone told me that the reason I was able to attain it was because

I was trying to be showy and seeking attention from the teachers.

(Participant 3)

Back then, I wasn't really an achiever in school. But when I started to improve and

achieved high honors, someone told me that the reason I was able to get it was because I
was being too eager to please and seeking attention from the teachers. Back then, I wasn't

really an achiever in school. But when I started to improve and achieved high honors,

someone told me that the reason I was able to get it was because I was being too eager to

please and seeking attention from the teachers.

(Participant 4)

During elementary school, when I transferred from a private school to a public

school.

(Participant 5)

Well, it's during the free time or in the midst of the pandemic that I truly realized I

was smart shamed. It's because I didn't have much to do, so all I could think about were

the things people said to me. This reached a point where it caused anxiety for me, and

that's something very unfortunate.

II. Challenges

All the participants experienced a range of emotions. They faced challenges in

finding a balance between sharing knowledge and considering others' perceptions,

maintaining resilience in the face of negativity, coping with the impact on their mental

well-being, and overcoming self-doubt caused by external judgment. Participant 1

expresses a strong desire to share their knowledge and help others. They feel frustrated by

the inability to freely share their insights due to the fear of being judged or misunderstood.

Their challenge lies in finding a balance between their intention to contribute and the

potential negative impact on others' self-esteem.

 (Participant 1)

That's exactly it. It's like there's this knowledge stuck inside me that I want to share

instead of keeping it to myself. I just want to help others, you know, that's why I feel that

way.

In the face of smart shaming, participant 2 describes their experience as a constant

battle. They actively fought against the hurtful comments and remarks, recognizing that

such negativity only dragged them down further. Their challenge was to maintain resilience

and protect their self-esteem amidst the adversity.

(Participant 2)

The challenges I faced when experiencing smart-shaming, well, I fought against them

because it felt like I was being dragged down further by what they were saying.

Smart shaming took a toll on 3rd participant's mental well-being, leading to

depression, low self-esteem, and loss of motivation. The challenge they faced was the

difficulty of navigating the situation where possessing knowledge was seen as a negative

trait. They had to cope with the negative impact on their own self-perception and find ways

to regain motivation and control over their life.

(Participant 3)
 As I mentioned my experiences with smart-shaming, it led to me experiencing

depression. My self-esteem plummeted, and worst of all, I lost my motivation to the point

where I didn't want to study anymore. It's challenging because it's difficult when you

possess

knowledge that others may not be aware of. Their perception of you is that you already

have a opinion of yourself, without realizing that your intention is simply to share the

knowledge you've gained and help others.The problem arises when their misunderstanding

leads to a decrease in their self-esteem. However, things have improved now, and I have

learned to control my stress and handle everything to the point where I am moving forward

in my life. I am focused on the next chapters of my life, and I no longer look back but

rather move forward in everything I do. Before speaking to someone, I carefully consider

my words to avoid causing harm, as I understand the fear of experiencing what they have

gone through. We all have goals in life, and for many, it is to complete their education and

help our fellow students by sharing the knowledge we acquire. The challenge lies in the

conflict between our desire to teach them and the unintended consequence of negatively

affecting their self-perception, as they may believe they lack knowledge.

Participant 4 shares the disheartening and demoralizing impact of smart shaming on

their own sense of self. They didn't anticipate how others would perceive them when they

happened to be more intelligent, leading to feelings of disappointment and frustration.

(Participant 4)
 Hmm, when it comes to oneself, it can be disheartening and demoralizing.

Especially in my case, I wasn't aware that people would perceive me that way if I

happened to be smarter than them.

Smart shaming resulted in a loss of confidence for participant 5. They felt restricted

and unable to be their authentic self, constantly questioning their worth and being plagued

by anxiety. Their challenge was dealing with the external pressures and negative self-

perception caused by the judgment and expectations of others.

(Participant 5)

Hmm, when it comes to oneself, it can be disheartening and demoralizing.

Especially in my case, I wasn't aware that people would perceive me that way if I

happened to be smarter than them.

III. Coping Mechanisms

All the participants coping mechanisms employed by the participants vary. These

coping strategies help them navigate the challenges of smart shaming and maintain their

well-being. Participant 1 coping mechanism involves leveling up their confidence and

overcoming the fear of judgment. They have chosen to embrace their knowledge and skills,

actively sharing them with friends and others. Their coping mechanism focuses on self-

empowerment and refusing to hide their abilities:

(Participant 1)
 Well, I leveled up my confidence because, you know, I wanted to become more, uh,

I'd rather give my knowledge and skills to others, to my friends, and not hide theknowledge

that I can actually share. I have overcome the fear of being judged.

Prayer plays a significant role in participant's coping mechanism. They find strength

and courage through their faith, particularly as they serve in the Catholic Church. Prayer

acts as a source of empowerment and support in facing the challenges of smart shaming.

(Participant 2)

Uh, I just strengthen my courage through prayer, especially since I serve as a

server to the Lord in the Catholic Church. It's like I'm empowering myself through prayer.

Participant 3, prayer is a crucial aspect of their coping mechanism. They rely on

constant prayer to seek understanding, acceptance, and positive change from those who

dislike or judge them. Regular attendance at church and drawing strength from their family,

especially their grandparents, further contribute to their resilience.

(Participant 3)

I guess what I did with the challenges I encountered was constantly praying. I

always prayed and said to the Lord, "Please, Lord, may those who dislike me come to like

me. May they understand the reasons behind my actions, my true intentions, and my main

goals in life." I also make sure to regularly attend church and never miss it, even for
important occasions, because prayer is truly what helps me. I also draw strength from my

parents, especially my grandparents who raised me. They have always been there for me,

and of course, we all have dreams in life. So, the challenges I face, including smart

shaming, I really go through them with the help of prayer. It's the best way for me.

Participant 4 hasn't completely overcome the effects of smart shaming, their coping

mechanism involves adopting a mindset of letting others' negative opinions be and

minimizing the impact it has on them. They choose not to let the opinions of others affect

their self-esteem and well-being.

(Participant 4)

To be honest, I haven't completely overcome it yet. Until now, I still feel its effects.

However, as I mentioned earlier, my mindset is to let them be so that I won't be too

affected by it.

The coping mechanism of participant 5 involves prioritizing their own well-being

and surrounding themselves with supportive individuals. They recognized that some close

friends were involved in smart shaming and made the difficult decision to let them go.

They actively seek relationships with people who appreciate and love them for who they

truly are.

(Participant 5)

First of all, I am someone who is afraid of losing friends. When I discovered that

those people who were really close to me were the ones causing the smart shaming, I made
the decision to let them go. I surrounded myself with people who can truly appreciate and

love me for who I am.

3.2 Steps Taken to Overcome Negative Experiences

All the participants took several proactive steps to overcome their negative

experiences of smart shaming:

(Participant 1)

Ah, yes, at first it was hard, but it took some time for me to regain confidence in

what I am saying and in sharing knowledge. "Ingat po" is what I say. Before, I remember

that I was the only one who knew.

(Participant 2)

That's right. When I first approached the Lord, I always prayed to Him for all my

problems. It's important to always turn to the Lord for guidance and support in every

situation.

(Participant 3)

The steps I took, as I mentioned earlier, first and foremost, I prayed and attended

church. Then, I transformed the negative into positive. I stopped dwelling on negative

thoughts and focused only on the positive. For the next day, I would plan things like this,

hoping for positive outcomes. Of course, we have a lot going on in school, but I remind

myself that this is it, just a little more, only four weeks left until my moving up. Maybe
those are the significant things. You know, sometimes, I apologize if my story is long, but

some people tend to hold onto negative stories. Do you know that when we constantly think

negatively, it often becomes our future reality? That's why my mother, she always goesto

church, and she always tells me, "Negative thoughts will never give you a positive life."

That's the mantra I keep telling myself. So, all the steps I take, I always have a positive

mindset because that's the path towards improving my life.

(Participant 4)

I understand. So, it's not necessarily about taking specific steps, but rather

choosing to ignore them. In that case, there are no specific steps required.

(Participant 5)

The first thing I did was look for the better things around me, as I mentioned

earlier. I surrounded myself with people who genuinely love me and appreciate me for who

I am. The second thing is that I accepted myself. Because if I can't accept myself, how can I

expect others to accept me? That's the only thing I did—accept myself and continue moving

forward.

V. Envisioning the Future and Addressing Smart-Shaming

 All the participants' responses highlight different perspectives on addressing smart

shaming. Their approaches reflect a range of strategies to combat smart shaming and

promote personal growth and resilience. Participant 1 envisions addressing smart shaming

by advocating for both those who have experienced it and those who struggle to express

their knowledge due to fear of judgment. They emphasize the importance of empowerment,

sharing experiences, and creating awareness to combat smart shaming.

(Participant 1)

Well, of course, I emphasize to them that I don't want to experience it myself

because I know how it feels. It's like experiencing shame for being intelligent. So, I also

want to

advocate not only for those who are smart-shamed but also to empower those who

find it difficult to express their knowledge because they are afraid of being judged by the

people around them.

Participant 2 envisions overcoming smart shaming by not giving attention to those

who engage in it. They believe that by being unbothered and relying on their faith for

strength, others can also overcome the negative effects of smart shaming.

(Participant 2)

For everyone who has experienced smart-shaming, I have also overcome it by

simply not paying attention to them. I've become unbothered by what they do or say to me,

and I pray to God for strength. They will overcome it as well.

 Participant 3 addresses smart shaming by offering guidance and steps to those

currently experiencing it. They emphasize the significance of prayer, attending church,

maintaining a positive mindset, and giving oneself time. They highlight the role of faith

and seeking support to navigate through difficult times.

(Participant 3)

Perhaps those who are currently experiencing it, especially after the pandemic, are

often mistaken for being intelligent without realizing that they are just sharing their

knowledge. What I want to tell them are the steps I mentioned earlier, like the best step

being prayer, attending church, and maintaining a positive mindset. They shouldn't think

too much about it and should also give themselves time. They shouldn't pour themselves

into what they

do because, as my advisor told me, he saw potential in me and noticed that I share

everything I know with others, which caused conflicts. My advisor told me to set aside time

for myself and not worry about everything I do, just focus on being positive and always

pray, no matter where I go or what I do, because in the end, it's only God who can truly

help, especially for those who are going through difficult times.

Participant 4 acknowledges the uniqueness of individuals and suggests letting those

who engage in smart shaming be, as it is their problem, not the person being shamed. They
encourage staying true to oneself and not allowing others' judgments to define or hinder

personal growth.

(Participant 4)

People are different, and just like me, I wasn't even aware that I was considered

smart. Hmm... I don't think there were any steps for me to overcome it since I'm still going

through it now. I guess the most I can say is to let them be, and if it's their problem, it's

their problem. It's not yours, just continue to be yourself.

Participant 5 envisions a journey of self-discovery and acceptance as the key to

overcoming smart shaming. They emphasize the importance of knowing and accepting

oneself, disregarding others' opinions, and focusing on personal progress. They believe that

when individuals have a strong sense of self, the impact of smart shaming diminishes.

(Participant 5)

Well, in our era, in our generation, we already know who we really are. For those

experiencing smart-shaming, they may reach a point where they feel like the world is

against them and they believe they can't overcome it. But slowly, as time goes by, they will

realize that they can't please everyone or listen to what others say. The steps they can take

are acceptance. When you know who you are and accept yourself, no matter what others

say, even if they say that's all you're capable of or you're just trying to impress teachers,
that's when you'll make progress. You won't care about it anymore because you know what

you're capable of and you know who you are.

Thematic Analysis

Smart shaming, the stigmatization and marginalization of high achievers based on

their intellectual abilities, is a significant phenomenon. This thematic analysis explores the

lived experiences of individuals who have faced smart shaming. Using a narrative inquiry

approach, the study aims to uncover themes that emerge from qualitative data, shedding

light on the challenges and effects high achievers encounter in their daily lives. By

examining the personal, social, and psychological aspects, this research seeks to enhance

understanding and raise awareness about smart shaming and its impact on individuals' well-

being and societal perceptions.

Mental

Welfare
Navigating the Impact
Emotional of Smart Shaming
Neglect

Self Imbalance Rising Above

Challenges

Resilience
Experiences of
High Achiever on
Embracing Inner Smart- Shaming

Self-aware Strength
 Empowered
Cultivating Self-
Worth

Nurturing

Figure 3. Thematic Analysis of Experiences of High Achievers on Smart-Shaming

This thematic analysis explores the experiences of high achievers who have encountered

smart-shaming, the act of stigmatizing individuals based on their intellectual abilities and

achievements. Qualitative data was collected through interviews with a diverse group of high

achievers, revealing recurring themes such as the emotional impact of smart-shaming, its

influence on self-perception, coping mechanisms employed by high achievers, and the role of

societal norms and expectations. On a positive note, some of the participants involved in this

study shared empowering experiences as high achievers who had encountered smart-shaming.

Despite facing stigma based on their intellectual abilities and achievements, they

demonstrated resilience and self-acceptance.

CHAPTER 4

FINDINGS, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATION

This chapter presented the findings, conclusions, and recommendations made by the

researchers

Findings
 The research study on the experiences of high achievers regarding

smart-shaming revealed several significant insights. Participants shared

common experiences of encountering stigma and negative attitudes due to

their intellectual abilities and achievements. The emotional impact of smart-

shaming was evident, with feelings of shame, guilt, and embarrassment

reported among the participants. These experiences had a detrimental effect

on their self-esteem and self-confidence. However, despite facing such

challenges, the high achievers demonstrated resilience and employed various

coping mechanisms. Seeking social support and validation, building

resilience, and developing self-acceptance were strategies commonly

employed by participants to navigate the effects of smart-shaming.

Additionally, the study shed light on the role of societal norms and

expectations in perpetuating smart-shaming. Participants highlighted the need

for a more inclusive and supportive environment that appreciates intellectual

achievement and discourages stigmatization. These

findings underscore the importance of raising awareness about the

harmful effects of smart-shaming and promoting a culture that celebrates and

supports high achievers.

Conclusion
 The findings of this research on the experiences of high achievers

regarding smart-shaming has shed light on the emotional impact, coping

mechanisms, and societal dynamics surrounding this issue. The findings

highlight the detrimental effects of smart-shaming on the self-esteem and self-

confidence of high achievers, underscoring the need for a more supportive and

inclusive environment. Participants' stories of resilience and strategies for

coping provide valuable insights for individuals facing similar challenges. The

study also emphasizes the role of societal norms and expectations in

perpetuating smart-shaming, calling for increased awareness and efforts to

promote a culture that values intellectual achievement. Moving forward, it is

crucial to address smart-shaming through targeted interventions, education,

and advocacy, fostering an environment that celebrates and supports high

achievers in their pursuits. By doing so, we can create a society that

appreciates diverse talents and accomplishments, while mitigating the

negative impact of smart-shaming on individuals' well-being and potential.

Recommendations

The researcher recommends implementing an association or

organization that focuses on addressing smart-shaming among students. This

association would aim to increase students' understanding of smart-shaming,

educate them on how to avoid engaging in it themselves, and provide

strategies for overcoming or dealing with smart-shaming if they become

victims. Additionally, the researcher suggests conducting seminars or regular

consultations with school guidance counselors to openly discuss and address

this phenomenon. By normalizing discussions about smart-shaming, it can

help reduce instances of it within the school community. Another

recommendation is to utilize various forms of advertising and propaganda to

raise awareness about smart-shaming. This can include online videos, blogs,

outdoor signage, and hosting events to attract public attention and disseminate

information about the negative impacts of smart-shaming. Lastly, the

researcher proposes that the

student council of the school takes an active role in promoting a healthy

exchange of knowledge among students. By organizing activities or programs

that encourage collaborative learning and respect for intellectual

achievements, the student council can foster a supportive environment that

discourages smart-shaming.