21 THINGS CLINICAL PERFECTIONISTS DO

What’s the difference between ordinary perfectionism and a problem?

DESCRIPTION

Clinical Perfectionism can be viewed as a combination of cognitions and behaviors wherein the individual has high level, often unreasonable, criteria, standards, and expectations.  Due to the fact that these thoughts are unrealistic, the individual experiences negative affect such as anxiety, depression, and/or a loss of confidence because the standards cannot be met behaviorally.  The person may strive or behave in ways to achieve the level of perfection but usually fails to do so, has interpersonal problems when the standards are projected onto others, or may completely give up in trying to achieve a task.  “In limited doses, perfectionism can be a healthy strategy for getting ahead. Clinical perfectionism, however, is a darker form that often impairs performance rather than improves it” according to the author.   When the Clinical Perfectionism problem becomes a focus of therapy, then the individual may be diagnosed as OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder).  The author provides 21 examples of the negative cognitions and consequences.

SOURCE

Psychology Today, March 16, 2015, Post published by Alice Boyes Ph.D.

The topic on Clinical Perfectionism is from her book, “The Anxiety Toolkit: Strategies for Fine-Tuning Your Mind and Moving Past Your Stuck Points”

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/in-practice/201503/21-things-clinical-perfectionists-do

(shortened URL)  http://tinyurl.com/ku5dqdb

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

•What is ‘perfectionism’?  Is it necessarily negative?
How does it differ from Clinical Perfectionism?
•What makes Clinical Perfectionism a form of OCD?
•Ask the class to separate out the components of cognition and behavior for an understanding of the concept.
•Ask the class for examples where perfectionism is a positive.  Ask about when it is a negative.
•How can Clinical Perfectionism lead to failure rather than a resounding success?
•How can Clinical Perfectionism impact relationships.