Introduction to Perfectionism

By IntroBooks Team

Perfectionism is a concept. While it is true that there is no
universal agreement on the definition of perfection, many people
strive to attain perfection in everything they do. Like everything
else, perfectionism has positive and negative sides. Perfectionists
have produced some of the best works in the world. This is
true in art, movies, sports, technology, etc. But there is a dark
side to it. Perfectionists are obsessed with perfection. Inability to
reach the high standards set by themselves leads them to low
self-esteem, extreme unhappiness, anxiety and in extreme cases,
depression. The root cause of many teenage suicides is the
incapability to accept failures. Expecting perfection from their
partner and kids jeopardizes the family life. Children of
perfectionist parents have a troubled childhood. Adaptive
perfectionism helps people to excel in their career or studies.
With appropriate help, maladaptive perfectionism can be
managed and perfectionists will be able to lead a more
meaningful life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: IntroBooks
• Release date: Nov 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393032700

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Introduction to Perfectionism

IntroBooks #596

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Preface

Perfectionism is a concept. While it is true that there is no universal agreement on the definition of perfection, many people strive to attain perfection in everything they do. Like everything else, perfectionism has positive and negative sides. Perfectionists have produced some of the best works in the world. This is true in art, movies, sports, technology, etc. But there is a dark side to it. Perfectionists are obsessed with perfection. Inability to reach the high standards set by themselves leads them to low self-esteem, extreme unhappiness, anxiety and in extreme cases, depression. The root cause of many teenage suicides is the incapability to accept failures. Expecting perfection from their partner and kids jeopardizes the family life. Children of perfectionist parents have a troubled childhood. Adaptive perfectionism helps people to excel in their career or studies. With appropriate help, maladaptive perfectionism can be managed and perfectionists will be able to lead a more meaningful life.

Summary

Perfectionism in psychology is a personality trait which always strives to attain perfection and nothing short of it. Perfection is, in fact, a utopian concept with no clear definition. It varies for different people. And people experience varying degrees of perfectionism. It has adaptive and maladaptive forms. Adaptive perfectionists have perfectionistic strivings and they want to move towards perfection. Whereas maladaptive people have perfectionistic concerns and are more neurotic in nature. Failing to achieve unrealistic goals reduces their self-esteem.

There are different scales to measure perfectionism. Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale measures six dimensions. Other scales are Almost Perfect Scale and Physical Appearance Perfectionism Scale. Almost Perfect Scale has three measures, namely higher standards, order and discrepancy. Physical Appearance Perfectionism Scale has two subscales, namely ‘Worry about Imperfection’ and ‘Hope for Perfection’. Some people