Psychological price of overachievement.

People who achieve a lot in life but still doubt their abilities find that success often doesn't bring happiness. Researchers at Ohio State University have found that many of these overachievers don't like their work and are unable to enjoy their accomplishments.

They are different from high achievers, who are confident of their talents and able to enjoy their hard work and the success it brings, indicates professor of psychology Robert Arkin. "Overachievers have a tremendous feeling of self-doubt about their abilities coupled with a strong need to prove themselves."

According to Kathryn Oleson, a post-doctoral researcher, these individuals believe they need to work especially hard to overcome their inadequacies and achieve success. "But when they reach their goal, it seems as though they're faced with the...