Perfectionism and Acceptance

Abstract

The associations between depressive symptoms and deliberate self-harm were studied by means of a 2-wave longitudinal design in a community sample of 1052 young adolescents, with longitudinal data for 83.6% of the sample. Evidence was found for a bidirectional relationship in girls, with depressive symptoms being a risk factor for increased self-harm one year later and self-harm a risk factor for increased depressive symptoms. Cluster analysis of profiles of depressive symptoms led to the identification of two clusters with clear depressive profiles (one severe, the other mild/moderate) which were both characterized by an overrepresentation of girls and elevated levels of self-harm. Clusters with more circumscribed problems were also identified; of these, significantly increased levels of self-harm were found in a cluster characterized by negative self-image and in a cluster characterized by dysphoric relations to parents. It is suggested that self-harm serves more to regulate negative self-related feelings than sadness.

Perfectionism and achievement goals in young Finnish ice-hockey players aspiring to make the Under-16 national team

“…In our view, there are three approaches from theory and research in clinical psychology that seem promising in this regard, and that could readily be adopted in to the sporting context. The first approach is based on perfectionism/acceptance theory (Lundh, 2004) which holds that perfectionistic strivings are adaptive when combined with the acceptance of imperfections (i.e., failures, mistakes, shortcomings) (Lundh et al, 2008). According to Lundh (2004), perfectionistic strivings are not unhealthy or dysfunctional as such.…”

“…The first approach is based on perfectionism/acceptance theory (Lundh, 2004) which holds that perfectionistic strivings are adaptive when combined with the acceptance of imperfections (i.e., failures, mistakes, shortcomings) (Lundh et al, 2008). According to Lundh (2004), perfectionistic strivings are not unhealthy or dysfunctional as such. However, they become so when "striving for perfection turns into a demand for perfection, defined as an inability to accept being less than perfect" (p. 255).…”

Perfectionism and the experience of pride, shame, and guilt: Comparing healthy perfectionists, unhealthy perfectionists, and non-perfectionists

“…Perfectionists, who strive for perfection, but are unconcerned about their imperfections, may well experience more pride and less shame and guilt not only compared to perfectionists, who are concerned about their imperfections, but also compared to nonperfectionists. Consequently, for perfectionists, who strive for perfection and accept their imperfections (Lundh, 2004), striving for perfection is not indicative of a neurotic, disordered, and depressed personality, but may be a normal, healthy, and even elating practice.…”

Perfectionism and Performance

“…Perfectionistic strivings appear to have a motivational quality J. Stoeber: Perfectionism and Performance 23 that give individuals an extra "boost" to do their best, make an additional effort, and achieve the best possible results. Even some clinical psychologists are beginning to recognize that there is nothing unhealthy or maladaptive about perfectionistic strivings as such (e.g., Lundh, 2004). On the contrary, perfectionistic strivings may form part of a "healthy pursuit of excellence" (Shafran, Cooper, & Fairburn, 2002, p. 778).…”