The Pain of Perfectionism
Briefly

Perfectionism is proving to be a significant source of emotional distress, affecting mental health more severely than previously acknowledged. Psychologists, including Gordon Flett, have studied how perfectionism can manifest in various forms, often leading to anxiety, depression, and burnout. Personal anecdotes, such as Flett's experience raising his daughters, demonstrate how children's perceptions of perfection can evolve over time. These insights reveal that the struggle against perfectionism is not just a superficial trait but one that can profoundly influence emotional well-being.
Psychologists have found that perfectionism can lead to significant emotional distress, impacting mental health in ways that extend beyond typical standards of self-improvement. It often manifests in anxiety, depression, and burnout, revealing its deeper psychological implications beyond just a surface-level trait.
Gordon Flett’s observations about his daughter's evolving understanding of perfection illustrate a critical point: While children may initially resist the pressure to be perfect, adult experiences can transform this belief, often leading to higher levels of perfectionistic behavior.
Read at The New Yorker
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