The Lived Experience of Young People who Identify as Perfectionistic: Drivers and Outcomes of Perfectionism

Abstract

Perfectionism has been associated with various mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and personality disorders (Shafran & Mansell, 2001; Stoeber & Rambow, 2007). Although this is the case, perfectionism is not always recognised as negative. Perfectionism has been associated with positive outcomes, such as setting high standards of achievement and higher motivation to meet goals (Damian et al., 2017). In this sense, perfectionism may be viewed as a key component to increase academic efficacy. Although the literature has identified key aspects of perfectionism, there is limited qualitative research directed towards the experiences of young people who identify as perfectionistic. In light of this gap in the literature, this thesis aims to understand the lived experiences of young people who identify as perfectionistic. To examine this, the following research aims were addressed: to understand the lived experience of perfectionistic young people, to understand what drives perfectionistic behaviours, and to understand the outcomes of perfectionistic behaviours. Employing a qualitative interview design, thematic analysis was used to examine the results. A sample of 7 perfectionistic individuals aged 17-26 were interviewed. The themes personal meaning, drivers of perfectionism, outcomes of perfectionism, and help-seeking were identified. Findings from this study highlight the perceived benefits of perfectionism, namely to the individuals' achievements. This study has relevance to perfectionism interventions. Future interventions should target the thought processes that perfectionism is necessary for high standards to be achieved. Additionally, practitioners may benefit from understanding the positives of perfectionism to better support perfectionistic clients.