Understanding the Root Cause of Perfectionism (2024)

Perfectionism is often admired for its association with high performance and success. It includes traits like meticulousness and persistence, which are beneficial for achieving academic excellence.

However, when these traits become overwhelming, they can lead to feelings of helplessness and a loss of control, ultimately hindering academic performance.

Let’s explore the roots and manifestations of perfectionism in more detail.

Genetics

Genes appear to play a significant role in whether individuals develop perfectionist traits. These genetic influences can shape how individuals perceive and respond to environmental pressures and challenges throughout their lives.

A 2015 study suggests that genetic factors contribute to approximately:

Psychological factors

A review of studies from 2018 suggests that certain personality traits are linked to perfectionistic concerns, such as:

These include:

A large 2021 study suggests that high levels of neuroticism can lead to perfectionistic traits. These traits are believed to be influenced by both common and specific genetic and environmental factors, highlighting the complexity of their development.

Educational expectations, feedback, and pressure

In prestigious programs and schools, where the culture emphasizes high achievement, students often face intense pressure to meet top standards and outperform their peers. This pressure is heightened by environments that rely on high-stakes testing, such as rigorous exams and competitive entry requirements, which push students toward perfectionism.

The way students are graded and evaluated may further impact their perfectionism. Continuous, detailed feedback that highlights even minor errors can foster a fixation on avoiding mistakes. Conversely, a lack of constructive feedback may leave students anxious about their performance, prompting them to strive for perfection to meet unclear or unarticulated expectations.

Moreover, reward systems that publicly recognize top performers can motivate students to pursue perfection as a means of gaining approval and accolades. This creates a cycle where students continually push themselves to achieve flawless outcomes in pursuit of positive reinforcement.

Parental and cultural expectations

Parents who have high expectations for their children’s academic performance can contribute to perfectionistic tendencies. Children who perceive their parents’ love and approval as conditional on their academic success may develop a fear of failure and a drive for perfection.

In some cultures, academic success is highly valued and seen as a pathway to social and economic success. This cultural emphasis on achievement can lead to societal pressure on students to excel, fostering perfectionism.

Early life experiences

Adverse childhood experiences such as trauma, neglect and family dysfunction can contribute to the development of perfectionism. These experiences often:

Perfectionism may emerge as a coping mechanism to avoid negative outcomes and seek approval or validation from others.

In a small-scale study, nine individuals with perfectionism described:

These behaviors typically originated from past painful experiences, which made trusting others challenging.

Here are some common traits associated with perfectionists:

Perfectionism and mental health

A study involving 1,287 students showed a strong connection between perfectionism and mental health. It found that when perfectionists achieve high academic performance, it enhances their psychological well-being. Conversely, experiencing poor academic performance worsens their mental health.

However, regardless of their academic success, perfectionism was consistently linked to increased levels of suicidal thoughts, emphasizing its profound impact on mental health.

If you find yourself grappling with perfectionistic tendencies, there are plenty of resources available to help you. You can work toward overcoming these tendencies or educate yourself about related traits, such as neuroticism, that often accompany perfectionism.

Consider consulting with a therapist trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness techniques. Focus on practicing self-compassion and setting achievable goals to manage perfectionism effectively.