Psychodynamic Theory Of Perfectionism

Perfectionism has been an interesting topic so it has been widely studied in a variety of areas (Missildine, 1963; Adler, 1956). Some perfectionist behaviours are linked to positive outcomes such as high level of achievement, however, it also leads to different negative outcomes. In accordance with previous studies (Horney, 1951; Missildine, 1963), the perfectionism is a risk factor in causing and maintaining psychopathology, with psychodynamic theory highlighting that perfectionism was the expression of maladaptive personality. These findings also supported by other studies, for example, studies related to the relationship between perfectionism and psychopathology indicate that perfectionism is a contributing factor to the development of
Researchers believed that the motivation is a salient component to self-oriented perfectionism and this motivational component shows the person’s effort to achieve perfections and to avoid failures. The people with self-oriented perfectionists’ behaviours for themselves, however, other-oriented perfectionists’ behaviours are outward, for example, people with other-oriented perfectionism set high goals for significant others set high to have expectations, regard importantly others’ perfectionistic behaviours and strictly evaluate others peoples’ behaviours (Hollender, 1965). Hewitt and Flett (1991) suggested more detailed differences between self-oriented perfectionism and other-oriented perfectionism. For example, when people with self-oriented perfectionism fail to meet the standards, they usually criticise and punish themselves, however, people with other-oriented perfectionism show a lack of trust, other directed blame and feeling antipathy to others. Other-oriented perfectionists’ behaviours for others, similarly people who have socially prescribed perfectionism also form their perceptions or beliefs for significant others. However, socially prescribed perfectionists’ behaviours are inward (Hewitt & Flett, 1991). So they set unrealistic goals for them and make self-evaluation stringently, moreover, they force themselves to behave perfectly. Hewitt and Flett (1991) demonstrated that socially prescribed perfectionists usually face a variety of unfavourable emotional states following experiencing failure situations or having poor behaviours. Becuase they want to please others and believe that other peoples have exceedingly high expectations for them. So they push themselves to