Infanta Sofía is facing a stage full of significant changes. After finishing her International Baccalaureate, she now has the possibility of entering university ahead of her. This brings about a major impact that, according to Lara Ferreiro, could have consequences.
"It's very common," the expert states after analyzing what these first months in Infanta Sofía's life will be like. Above all, because Infanta's personality is still developing and any setback could change things.
The reality of Infanta Sofía comes to light
Infanta Sofía is at a moment of significant changes that will shape her most immediate future in the royal family. At 18 years old, she has shown clear signs of having her own personality, refusing to follow Leonor's military path. Instead, she chooses to study at university, but this is not without certain difficulties.
This is revealed by psychologist Lara Ferreiro in Semana after analyzing what Infanta's first year at university will be like. According to her findings, this first year at university can be emotionally very demanding and cause multiple difficulties during the initial adaptation process. Infanta Sofía faces special circumstances that add to those of the first months, which could make things worse.
Among all of them, Ferreiro highlights what is known as university burnout syndrome. This manifests as mental and emotional exhaustion after sustained academic demands and constant institutional pressure on the young woman. "It's very common for first-timers to feel that in the academic and social sphere they can't do it all and develop a fear of being left out," she explains.
In the case of Infanta Sofía, since she doesn't have an official agenda, the expert points out that she can avoid "falling into this." However, this doesn't exempt her from experiencing other pressures that could put her emotional stability at risk. In this regard, the psychologist brings up the constant comparison with Leonor.
"It adds extra pressure that makes her feel like she's second best," she notes about the "identity crisis" that Sofía could experience. This translates into another syndrome, in this case impostor syndrome. This would make her feel that her academic performance must live up to extraordinary previous family achievements.
The new challenges Infanta Sofía will face
The expert's analysis doesn't end there. Ferreiro has also emphasized the need that Infanta Sofía could feel to keep the perfect image that is expected of her. This pressure to always measure up is marked by the need for control and external approval.
Ferreiro also talks about "migratory grief." This is an emotional phase that involves dealing with adaptation to new social environments after leaving the Welsh boarding school for good. This adaptation process can last several months and brings emotions such as uncertainty, anxiety, and fear of the unknown, factors that require constant emotional support.
The fact that her university education could be abroad or in Spain increases the emotional complexity of this vital transition period. Another difficulty pointed out by the expert is the emotional hypervigilance that media pressure can trigger, which can lead to social phobia.
Ferreiro states that the constant comparisons and expectations placed on her can incite a feeling of "blurred identity." That is, as if she doesn't really know what her place is.
The first year at university represents for Sofía both an opportunity for growth and a complex emotional challenge, marked by high levels of institutional pressure. While the highest level is not expected of her, there is constant attention on her achievements.
For this reason, the expert concludes that, if Infanta is able to get through this new stage with authenticity, she will be an example for the next generations.