Perfectionism and Self-Worth
Understanding the concept
Perfectionism involves demanding standards and self-evaluation closely tied to performance. High standards can support achievement, but when mistakes threaten a person’s worth, distress and avoidance can rise.
What this might look like
A student might delay submitting good work because the possibility of criticism feels intolerable.
A question to reflect on
How would your choices change if an imperfect result did not define you?
Research & further reading
- Nolen-Hoeksema et al. (2008). Rethinking rumination. Perspectives on Psychological Science.
- NICE (2022). Depression in adults: Treatment and management (NG222).
These sources offer background reading and do not necessarily substantiate every sentence in this article. This is educational information, not diagnosis or personalized advice. Content should be clinician-reviewed prior to public launch.