Perfectionism (psychology)

Perfectionism in psychology refers to a set of self-defeating thoughts and behaviors aimed at reaching excessively high unrealistic goals. Perfectionism is often mistakenly seen in our society as desirable or even necessary for success. However, recent studies have shown that perfectionist attitudes actually interfere with success. The desire to be perfect can both rob you of a sense of personal satisfaction and cause you to fail to achieve as much as people who have more realistic goals.

Definition

Perfectionism is a personality trait characterized by a person's striving for flawlessness and setting high performance standards, accompanied by critical self-evaluations and concerns regarding others' evaluations. It is best conceptualized as a multidimensional characteristic, as psychologists agree that there are many positive and negative aspects. In its maladaptive form, perfectionism drives people to attempt to achieve an unattainable ideal, and their adaptive perfectionism can sometimes motivate them to reach their goals. In the end, they derive pleasure from doing so. When perfectionists do not reach their goals, they often fall into depression.

Causes

The causes of perfectionism are still under debate. It is believed to develop from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some researchers argue that it could be an inherited trait, while others believe it is a learned behavior. It is also suggested that perfectionism may be a defense mechanism that people use to manage their anxiety or maintain a sense of control.

Effects

Perfectionism has been linked to numerous mental and physical health problems, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, fatigue and even suicide. Moreover, studies have found that perfectionists may live shorter lives than those who have more realistic life goals.

Treatment

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that can help people understand the thoughts and feelings that influence their behaviors. CBT is often used to treat a wide range of disorders, including phobias, addiction, depression, and anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be thought of as a combination of psychotherapy and behavioral therapy. Psychotherapy emphasizes the importance of the personal meaning we place on things and how thinking patterns begin in childhood. Behavioral therapy pays close attention to the relationship between our problems, our behavior, and our thoughts.

See also

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
• Neuroticism