What is the Root Cause of Perfectionism?

Underlying reasons for perfectionism 

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:

• 23% to 30% of self-oriented perfectionism (focused on personal goals and achievements)
• 39% to 42% of socially prescribed perfectionism (driven by external expectations)

Psychological factors

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

• socially prescribed perfectionism
• concern over mistakes
• doubts about actions
• perceived discrepancy

These include:

• Neuroticism: Individuals high in neuroticism tend to experience more negative emotions, anxiety, and self-doubt, which aligns with traits like concern over mistakes and doubts about actions.
• Low agreeableness: This trait involves being less trusting, less cooperative, and more antagonistic, which correlates with socially prescribed perfectionism.
• Low extraversion: People with low extraversion may exhibit tendencies toward introversion, withdrawal, and self-focused behaviors, which can relate to perfectionistic concerns.

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:

• instill a fear of failure
• heighten sensitivity to criticism
• foster a strong need for control

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:

• maintaining emotional distance from others
• seeking physical separation for a fresh start
• shouldering significant responsibilities since childhood

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

Traits of a perfectionist 

Here are some common traits associated with perfectionists:

• High personal standards: Setting excessively high goals and expectations for themselves.
• Fear of failure: A strong aversion to making mistakes or falling short of their own or others’ expectations.
• Procrastination: Waiting for the perfect moment or conditions before taking action, often due to fear of imperfection.
• Overly critical: Being excessively self-critical or critical of others’ work and performance.
• Difficulty delegating: Insisting on doing tasks themselves to ensure they are done to their standards.
• Rigid mindset: All-or-nothing thinking, where any small mistake is seen as a failure.
• Preoccupation with details: Focusing excessively on minor flaws or imperfections.
• Need for control: Feeling anxious when things are not within their control or when outcomes are uncertain.
• Perfectionistic concerns: Including feeling pressured by others’ expectations and fearing making errors.
• Profound achievement orientation: Placing a high value on achievements and success, often tying self-worth to these accomplishments.

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.

Next steps

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.