Perfectionism and Mental Health

The Role of Perfectionism in Mental Health

What exactly is perfectionism? According to the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, perfectionism involves an excessive fear of mistakes, high personal standards, doubting the quality of one's actions, and a preference for order. In a culture that applauds productivity, being a perfectionist has a positive connotation. It’s a trait that rises through the ranks, gets results, and pleases others.

A perfectionist’s driving motto is “it could always be better,” which bodes well for the results they achieve. But what about the person behind those results? What about their well-being? Sadly, these considerations are infinitely less important to a perfectionist. So long as their output is flawless, nothing else matters. Their quality of life dwindles as they become consumed with fears over how to do more, do better, and do it more impressively.

It’s obvious that such people rarely get to rest. They answer to a cruel master at all times, in the form of a merciless inner dialogue. From a mental health standpoint, this person needs some relief. For them to find joy, peace, and self-compassion, they need to be convinced that their “master” isn’t necessary for them to belong and be accepted.

A reasonable desire for excellence can help us achieve goals and improve the quality of our work. When this drive becomes rigid and merciless however, we slip into maladaptive perfectionism. Here are some ways that perfectionism can create mental health issues.

Eating Disorders

It’s likely not surprising that there’s a strong link between perfectionism and eating disorders. Anyone who’s dealt with an eating issue knows the cruel inner monologue that can accompany it. Research shows that those with eating disorders have elevated levels of a kind of perfectionism called “Pure Personal Standards” perfectionism; this type of perfectionism is a rigid set of standards set by oneself and is not based on others’ evaluations.

Depression

A well-known causal factor for depressive episodes is stress, and striving to be perfect is inevitably stressful. Research has revealed that perfectionistic thoughts also drive social disconnection, another well-known risk factor for depressive symptoms.

OCD

Perfectionism increases the chances of developing Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, in addition to a similar mechanism called “Intolerance of Uncertainty.” People who struggle with OCD want to be perfectly certain of something that concerns them. This drive for perfect reassurance causes them to compulsively seek it, leading them into endless thought loops. Part of the recovery process for OCD sufferers is to accept that relative certainty is possible, but perfect certainty isn’t. Acceptance of this makes it easier for them to let go of the compulsions.

If you struggle with perfectionistic tendencies, know that you aren’t alone in that experience. It’s a common problem that many people contend with. If you decide that you need outside guidance, working with a therapy professional can help you out of the trap of trying to be perfect.

 

Contributed by Carina Pearson, MA , IOP Counselor at Focus Treatment Centers, Chattanooga, TN

Citations

1.  Sassaroli, S., Romero Lauro, L. J., Maria Ruggiero, G., Mauri, M. C., Vinai, P., & Frost, R. (2008). Perfectionism in depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and eating disorders. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 46(6), 757–765. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2008.02.007

2.  Frost, R. O., Marten, P., Lahart, C., & Rosenblate, R. (1990). The dimensions of perfectionism. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 14(5), 449–468. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf01172967

3.  Williams, B. M., & Levinson, C. A. (2020). Intolerance of uncertainty and maladaptive perfectionism as maintenance factors for eating disorders and obsessive‐compulsive disorder symptoms. European Eating Disorders Review, 29(1), 101–111. https://doi.org/10.1002/erv.2807

 

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Lauren Sterritt