Conceptualizations of Perfectionism, Health, and Well-Being: An Introductory Overview

Abstract

Perfectionism research has burgeoned over the past two decades. During this time, there have been a number of empirical and theoretical advances providing insight into the nature of perfectionism and its associated risks. Broadly, perfectionism can be described as setting and striving for excessively high and often unrealistic standards, accompanied by frequent thoughts focused on attainment of these standards and overly critical self-evaluation (Frost, Marten, Lahart, & Rosenblate, 1990). However, it is now recognized that the perfectionism construct is multidimensional, as shown simultaneously by the work of Frost and associates (1990) and by Flett (1990, 1991). This recognition has, nonetheless, complicated the field with respect to understanding the implications of different perfectionism dimensions for health and well-being. Yet, navigating the complexities of these issues has important theoretical and clinical repercussions. If we consider perfectionism as a relatively stable tendency, as many researchers do, then the potential benefits of understanding how, why, and when perfectionism may confer risk or resilience for health and well-being can be far-reaching. For example, personality is increasingly being recognized as an important epidemiological factor for understanding health-related trajectories and outcomes, including morbidity and mortality, in part through its associations with modifiable risk factors for the development of mental As of July 1, 2015, Fuschia Sirois is with the

Perfectionism and Well-being in Graduate, Undergraduate and Ph.D. Students: Adaptive versus Maladaptive

“…Results demonstrated that the adaptive group of students had a higher level of well-being than maladaptive and Non-Perfectionist and the difference were statistically significant. This finding is consistent with the results of research (Bulina, 2014;Flett & Hewitt, 2006;Kenny & Hicks, 2014), and Sirois and Molnar (2016), but this result is inconsistent with Grzegorek et al (2004) and Rice and Ashby (2007) studies. In explaining this finding, it can be said that perfectionism is a construct that we all experience in different degrees (Egan et al, 2014), thus each of the different levels of perfectionism will have different effects on psychological well-being and individual performance and have influence in all life aspects (Stoeber et al, 2009).…”

“…On the other hand, recent research has suggested that perfectionism includes both positive and negative qualities (Chufar & Pettijohn, 2013). Also, studies show that perfectionism involves an adaptive component that improves psychological well-being (Flett & Hewitt, 2006;Sirois & Molnar, 2016;Stoeber & Otto, 2006). The study of the second hypothesis showed that university students with adaptive perfectionism had higher mean scores in the sub-scales of psychological well-being, autonomy, purpose in life, positive relations with others, and environmental mastery than those with maladaptive and nonperfectionist students, and this difference was statistically significant.…”

“…For example, Kornblum and Ainley (2005) reported levels of perfectionism among distinguished students higher than average students. On the other hand, some theorists believe that perfectionism is a unique and important form and sign of personality dysfunction (Flett & Hewitt, 2002), so, perfectionism can be considered as a risk factor for psychological well-being (Sirois & Molnar, 2016). However, other theorists believe that perfectionism include adaptive component that can improve psychological well-being (Flett & Hewitt, 2006;Sirois & Molnar, 2016;Stoeber & Otto, 2006).…”

“…On the other hand, some theorists believe that perfectionism is a unique and important form and sign of personality dysfunction (Flett & Hewitt, 2002), so, perfectionism can be considered as a risk factor for psychological well-being (Sirois & Molnar, 2016). However, other theorists believe that perfectionism include adaptive component that can improve psychological well-being (Flett & Hewitt, 2006;Sirois & Molnar, 2016;Stoeber & Otto, 2006). With regard to the relationship between perfectionism and negative consequences, such as depression (Rice & Ashby, 2007), other research suggests that students with high depressive symptoms are less likely to graduate (Wintre & Bowers, 2007).…”

Internet‐based cognitive behaviour therapy for perfectionism: More is better but no need to be prescriptive

“…It is now widely accepted that both dimensions of perfectionism previously identified in factor analysis (e.g., Bieling, Israeli, & Antony, 2004), perfectionistic strivings and perfectionistic concerns, are risk factors for psychopathology (Shafran, Cooper, & Fairburn, 2002;Flett & Hewitt, 2014;Gaudreau, 2018;Blasberg, Hewitt, Flett, Sherry, & Chen, 2016;Limburg, Watson, Hagger, & Egan, 2017). Perfectionistic strivings involve seeking to attain relentlessly demanding, extremely high, and often unrealistic standards for the self (Sirois & Molnar, 2016). Perfectionistic concerns involve being excessively preoccupied with others' expectations and evaluations, excessively self-critical, and unable to be satisfied with one's successes (Sirois & Molnar, 2016).…”