Impact of level of perfectionism on psycho-emotional and cognitive characteristics of children with high academic performance


Published: Sep 14, 2021
Keywords:
perfectionism school performance stress depression coping strategies
Αλέξανδρος-Σταμάτιος Αντωνίου
Ειρήνη Ξυπολιτά
Abstract

An increasing number of research findings have associated the presence of perfectionism in children and adolescents with difficulties in school and social adjustment as well as other accompanying problems, including intense psychological discomfort and high stress levels. More specifically, children with high academic performance display the tendency to focus on perfection, whereas they criticize themselves rigorously by perceiving even a minor flaw as proof of failure. Perfectionism usually relates to two primary categories: self-oriented and socially-prescribed perfectionism. Both forms of perfectionism have an impact on a child’s academic performance. With regard to the emotional consequences of perfectionism, there are reports of increased levels of fear and melancholy as well as an association to stress, depression and psychosomatic symptoms. Moreover, children with high levels of perfectionism are characterized by a continuous concern on their school performance and their marks but also by a high degree of competitiveness towards their classmates. This is further augmented by the intense and constant inclination to self-criticism originating from the image these individuals wish to present to others. A key research finding is the high positive correlation among perfectionism, depression and social stress, the degree of social support from their environment and the coping strategies adopted on stressful situations and dealing with social problems.

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