Perfection and sense of inadequacy: a clinical reflection on perfectionism
Do not feel enough and want to reach the perfection They are common phenomena in the current socio-cultural context which, through communication channels such as social media, supports the idea according to which reaching the perfection It is possible. On the basis of these premises it is appropriate to make a reflection on the perfectionism According to a clinical perspective (Ponziani, 2012; Guardini, 2004).
Perfectionism in the clinical field
Il perfectionism clinical should not only be considered the commitment to achieve excellence. In fact, it includes a triple meaning: the need, the expression and thoughts that concern the perfection. I perfectionists they warn the need and the need to reach the perfection In all their performance (Hewitt, Flett, Mikail, 2020). The irrational need to reach the perfection It can be linked to a deeper need, that is to say the need for approval by other people (Frost, 2011). Among the most shared definitions of perfectionism clinical it is possible to mention Flett and Hewitt (2002) that define it both as the search for impeccability, or the attempt to reach the perfection In every aspect of life, both how to establish extreme performance standards associated with severe judgments of one’s behavior. The impairment of the well -being of the person, caused by wanting to reach the perfectionassumes a central role in the genesis and maintenance of various psychopathological disorders, including:: eating disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders and depressive disorders (Guardini, 2004). Among the negative consequences of perfectionism It is important to also consider relational difficulties.
Impact of perfectionism in relationships
Perfectionist people can manifest difficulties at the relational level, a strong competition and a preference for being alone. Interpersonal relationships can therefore be conflicting and problems; very often, both for the need to reach the perfectionboth for wanting to get the others perfectionsuch people end up being isolated and considered annoying by others. Further elements that complicate interpersonal relationships can prove to be the total absence of empathy and the difficulty in respecting and accepting others for their way of being (Ponziani, 2012). Multiple searches have been conducted regarding the impact of perfectionism clinical in interpersonal relationships, especially in couple relationships. In romantic relationships, it is interesting to highlight that they can be a perfectionism oriented towards the partneris a perfectionism requested by the partner. In the study carried out by Stoeber (2012) which explored the effect of perfectionism In diadical relations, it was found that the perfectionism requested by the partner influenced the beliefs of the participants, in the sense that they warned that the partner expected that they were nothing less than perfect. In addition, it emerged that the perfectionism negatively influenced the sense of satisfaction felt in the relationship and the long -term commitment.
Intimacy is one of the factors that allows you to experience a sense of satisfaction in interpersonal relationships; However, for perfectionist people it can be particularly difficult to establish an intimate relationship. THE perfectionists They are afraid of intimacy, since they fear that other people can recognize their defects (Martin, Ashby, 2004). Considering the perfectionistic traits, both to impose the other expectations of perfection With critical judgments when these expectations are not satisfied, both perceiving other people expect perfection, they have a negative influence on interpersonal relationships (Hewitt, Flett, Mikail, 2020).
Il perfectionism clinical and the difficulties related to it can be the cause of further problems, not only for the subject, but also for the people with whom they come into contact. Unreasonable expectations, critical assessments and not admitting errors can deeply damage interpersonal relationships. The perfectionism In fact, it is also related to solitude and total alienation from relationships with other people (Hewitt, Flett, Mikail, 2020).
