What are the negative impacts of perfectionism?

Perfectionism is associated with psychological difficulties such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts.

How has perfectionism changed over the last 25 years?

Perfectionism has been on the rise over the last 25 years, with socially prescribed perfectionism experiencing the largest increase.

Society's changing dynamics, emphasizing personal identity and material wealth, contribute to the increase in perfectionism.

Young people today are more focused on achieving a perfect lifestyle, influenced by social media and societal pressures.

Perfectionism can be addressed through self-compassion, support from caregivers, and a societal shift away from excessive competition and evaluation.

Perfectionism, often praised as a positive trait, is actually linked to severe psychological issues like depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, indicating a detrimental impact on individuals' mental health.
The rise of perfectionism in recent years, fueled by societal shifts towards material wealth and personal identity, particularly affects young people striving for an unattainable perfect lifestyle driven by social media and societal pressures, necessitating a broader societal shift towards self-compassion and reduced competition to address this concerning trend.

What are the negative impacts of perfectionism?
Perfectionism is associated with psychological difficulties such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts.
How has perfectionism changed over the last 25 years?
Perfectionism has been on the rise over the last 25 years, with socially prescribed perfectionism experiencing the largest increase.
What societal factors contribute to the rise of perfectionism?
Society's changing dynamics, emphasizing personal identity and material wealth, contribute to the increase in perfectionism.
How does perfectionism impact young people today?
Young people today are more focused on achieving a perfect lifestyle, influenced by social media and societal pressures.
How can perfectionism be addressed?
Perfectionism can be addressed through self-compassion, support from caregivers, and a societal shift away from excessive competition and evaluation.

00:00

Perfectionism is a common response to job interview questions about weaknesses, often seen as a celebrated trait despite its negative impacts.
Perfectionism is linked to psychological difficulties like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts.
Perfectionism has been on the rise over the last 25 years, coinciding with increased mental illness rates among young people.
Society's changing dynamics, emphasizing personal identity and material wealth, contribute to the rise of perfectionism.
Young people today are more focused on achieving a perfect lifestyle, driven by social media and societal pressures.
The American dream's emphasis on hard work and self-made success perpetuates the idea of perfectionism.
Perfectionism leads to a cycle of self-defeat, where individuals constantly strive for unattainable perfection.
Research shows that all three elements of perfectionism have increased over time, with socially prescribed perfectionism seeing the largest rise.
Perfectionism can be addressed through self-compassion, support from caregivers, and a societal shift away from excessive competition and evaluation.