Perfectionism

Learn what perfectionism is, what causes it, and why it is dangerous.

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Students around campus on the first day of the Fall 2021 semester at BYU-Idaho.

Overview

"Perfectionism is a trait that makes life an endless report card on accomplishments or looks. When healthy, it can be self-motivating and drive you to overcome adversity and achieve success. When unhealthy, it can be a fast and enduring track to unhappiness . . .

"What makes extreme perfectionism so toxic is that while those in its grip desire success, they are most focused on avoiding failure, resulting in a negative orientation. They don’t believe in unconditional love, expecting others’ affection and approval to be dependent on a flawless performance."

(Psychology Today, 6/1/2020)

What Causes Perfectionism?

Perfectionism is driven primarily by internal pressures, such as the desire to avoid failure or harsh judgment. There is likely a social component as well because perfectionistic tendencies have increased substantially among young people over the past 30 years, regardless of gender or culture. Greater academic and professional competition is thought to play a role, along with the pervasive presence of social media and the harmful social comparisons it elicits.

The Dangers of Being Perfectionistic

Perfection, of course, is an abstraction, an impossibility in reality. When taken too far, the striving for perfection can lead to negative outcomes, like procrastination, a tendency to avoid challenges, rigid all-or-nothing thinking, toxic comparisons, and a lack of creativity. Maladaptive perfectionism is often driven by fear of failure, feelings of unworthiness, low self-esteem, and adverse childhood experiences. It is frequently accompanied by depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and even suicidal impulses.

Additional Resources

The following resources are not created, maintained, or controlled by BYU-Idaho and are intended to serve as an educational resource. BYU-Idaho does not endorse any content that is not in keeping with university policy or doctrines and teaching of the Church.

Carol Dweck: Mindset

TED talk given by Carol Dweck about the growth mindset.

Carol Dweck Ted Talk

Dr. Kristin Neff: Self Compassion

An expert in the field of Self-Compassion.
Watch her TED Talk

Visit the Website

Jane Clayson Johnson: Silent Souls Weeping

Podcast about mental health and perseverance.

Visit the Website

Ensign: September 2019

Articles about perfectionism and OCD published in the digital Ensign.

Read the Article

TAO (Therapy Assistance Online)

Calming Your Worry

Visit TAO