TITLE:
A Systematic Review on the Psychological Effects of Perfectionism and Accompanying Treatment
AUTHORS:
Hahna Patterson, Casey Mace Firebaugh, Tara Rava Zolnikov, Rebecca Wardlow, Stephanie M. Morgan, Brett Gordon
KEYWORDS:
Perfectionism, Maladaptive Perfectionism, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Self-Efficacy, Social Cognitive Theory, Psychodynamic Therapy
JOURNAL NAME:
Psychology,
Vol.12 No.1,
January
8,
2021
ABSTRACT: Maladaptive perfectionism can have an injurious and consequential impact on individuals and society with effects that may contribute negatively to a wide range of mental and physical health issues. Not only does perfectionism make people more susceptible to physical and mental health disorders, but its perniciousness also makes the inevitabilities of hardship and illness more challenging to cope with when they do occur. The purpose of this review was to investigate the psychological and physical impacts of maladaptive perfectionism on individuals and best practices for accompanying treatment. A systematic review was performed to search, review, analyze, and synthesize the existing literature. Suggestions for practical treatment recommendations and potential areas of further inquiry are offered. PRISMA checklist was utilized for inclusion in the review and 118 articles met search criteria. The broader emerging themes were: etiology and progression, psychological consequences of perfectionism, and available treatments. Concerns related to the multitude of downstream psychological impacts are highlighted, including the emerging evidence regarding perfectionism as both a primary and secondary disorder along with current and emerging interventions.