The Perfectionist's Dilemma: A Closer Look At Its Impact On Mental Health

Abstract

This study investigates perfectionism’s impact on university students aged 18-30, collecting over 100 responses through questionnaires. Utilizing seven scales, including hyper-meticulous, methodical, and criterion, the correlational analysis reveals a link between perfectionistic tendencies and mental health. Individuals on the greater side of all the scales experience pronounced negative effects. The paper emphasizes that while pursuing excellence is positive; socially prescribed expectations, criticism, and low self-esteem contribute to unhealthy perfectionism, causing increased stress and anxiety, and negatively affecting mental and emotional well-being. The research underscores the nuanced factors influencing the complex relationship between perfectionism and mental health, shedding light on the detrimental consequences of extreme perfectionistic tendencies.