8 Negative Effects of Perfectionism

People who tend to be perfectionists tend to want to produce flawless work. They have a high level of motivation and work hard to achieve the most challenging goals. Healthy perfectionism tendencies foster success. When tempered with positivity, perfectionism becomes a catalyst for personal and professional development, contributing to a balanced and happy life. But perfectionists are highly critical of themselves and the things they do. This is one reason why perfectionism is a problem. Read on to learn the negative effects of perfectionism.

What is perfection?

Perfection, at its core, reflects dedication to excellence and commitment to high standards. Achieving perfection can sometimes bring challenges, but channeling this drive into a positive one is essential, says psychiatrist Dr Samant Darshi. Setting realistic goals allows for personal growth without the weight of unattainable standards. Celebrating progress, no matter how small, builds self-compassion and resilience.

Adaptive and maladaptive are two forms of perfectionism, and both types are associated with high standards. Adaptive perfectionism is striving for personal achievements and standards. Maladaptive, on the other hand, revolves around self-critical evaluation. Such perfectionists care more about the expectations and criticisms of others.

What causes perfection?

Perfectionism often stems from a fear of failure, driven by high standards and a desire for external validation, the expert says. It can be caused by childhood experiences, parental expectations or social pressure. Fear of criticism or rejection can also fuel perfectionist tendencies.

What are the negative effects of perfectionism on mental health?

According to a 2011 study published in the Journal of Nursing Research and Practice, perfectionists are more prone to symptoms of depression. This is especially true when their maladaptive perfectionism style becomes clinically significant. According to research, patterns of worrying over mistakes and expecting criticism inherent in unhealthy perfectionism can lead to distorted thinking and social isolation.

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Here are some side effects of perfectionism:

1. Anxiety

Perfectionists often set unrealistically high standards for themselves. The expert says this leads to anxiety as they constantly try to meet or exceed these standards for fear of failure or criticism.

2. Pressure

If there is a fear of not achieving perfection, it leads to procrastination. Therefore, perfectionists may delay tasks to avoid potential errors, which increases stress.

3. Low self-esteem

Perfectionists tie their self-worth to their achievements, causing them to suffer from low self-esteem when they perceive that they fall short of their own high standards. This constant self-criticism erodes confidence over time.

4. Social isolation

Fear of being judged or not meeting their own high expectations can lead perfectionists to withdraw from social activities. It contributes to loneliness and isolation.

5. Burnout

The relentless pursuit of perfection can lead to burnout as people push themselves to the point of physical and mental exhaustion. They may neglect self-care and a balanced lifestyle.

6. Weak ties

Perfectionism can damage relationships because the need for perfection extends to others. Constantly setting high standards for those around them can create tension and distance in relationships, says Dr. Darshi.

7. Fear of failure

Perfectionists often fear failure to an extreme degree, avoiding new challenges or opportunities that do not guarantee success. This fear limits personal and professional growth.

8. Depression

The cumulative effect of perfectionism’s negative impact on mental health, including stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem, may contribute to the development or exacerbation of depressive symptoms.

How to combat the negative effects of perfectionism?

To overcome the negative effects of perfectionism, you can do the following:

• Embrace a growth mindset, acknowledging that mistakes are learning opportunities.
• Set realistic goals.
• Break tasks into small steps. Celebrate progress.
• Cultivate self-compassion by treating yourself with kindness and understanding.
• Challenge irrational thoughts about failure and prioritize the process over the outcome.
• Seek constructive feedback, not static approval. Emphasize the importance of balance and recognize that perfection is unattainable.
  Practice mindfulness to reduce anxiety.

Perfectionism, while driven by the pursuit of excellence, can sometimes bring challenges. By turning challenges into opportunities for growth, perfectionism can evolve into a positive force for personal and professional development.