Understanding Perfectionism

Authors

G E. Kawika Allen
Jacelin Clayton
Emma Moore
Debra Theobald McClendon

Keywords

perfectionism, self-worth, toxic behaviors, toxic perfectionists

Abstract

Perfectionism is a widely known personality characteristic, but it is not always understood. It can motivate and promote growth, or it can stifle and promote low self-worth with consuming negative thoughts and behaviors. Toxic perfectionism occurs when individuals demand perfection and become highly critical of themselves or others, turning normal mistakes into shame and self-hatred or hatred of others.1 It often includes an all-or- nothing mindset—viewing a performance as either a total success or a total failure—with no in-between. 2 And even success is fleeting for toxic perfectionists because they find flaws in their apparently perfect performances or in the performances of others.3

Recommended Citation

Allen, G E. Kawika; Clayton, Jacelin; Moore, Emma; and McClendon, Debra Theobald (2024) "Understanding Perfectionism," BYU Studies Quarterly: Vol. 63: Iss. 4, Article 4.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol63/iss4/4