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Perfectionism is a personality trait characterized by setting excessively high personal standards and evaluating one’s own behaviour overly critically (Hewitt & Flett, 1991). When those standards become rigid and self-worth depends entirely on meeting them, perfectionism shifts from a drive toward excellence into a source of chronic distress (Shafran et al., 2002). A large-scale meta-analysis of 307 studies and more than 82,000 college students found that perfectionism has been accelerating across generations over the past 35 years, with perfectionistic concerns—the belief that others demand perfection and that mistakes are catastrophic—rising fastest (Curran et al., 2026). Evidence-based counselling approaches, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), can help individuals identify the rigid thinking patterns that maintain clinical perfectionism and develop more flexible, self-compassionate standards (Egan et al., 2011). At Dr. Samuel Counselling & Neurofeedback in Vancouver, Samuel Ezzatilord, PhD, RCC, provides individual counselling for perfectionism using CBT, schema therapy, and IFS-informed approaches—learn more about individual therapy.
What Is Perfectionism and When Does It Become a Problem?
Researchers distinguish perfectionism into multiple dimensions. Hewitt and Flett (1991) identified three types: self-oriented perfectionism, in which a person imposes unrealistically high standards on themselves; other-oriented perfectionism, in which a person demands perfection from those around them; and socially prescribed perfectionism, in which a person believes that others hold impossibly high expectations for them. Each dimension carries distinct psychological consequences, but socially prescribed perfectionism has been linked most consistently to negative outcomes including depression, anxiety, and hostility (Hewitt & Flett, 1991).
Shafran et al. (2002) proposed the concept of clinical perfectionism, defined as the overdependence of self-evaluation on the determined pursuit of personally demanding standards, despite adverse consequences. In this model, a person’s entire sense of self-worth is contingent on achieving their goals, and any perceived failure triggers harsh self-criticism, avoidance, or redoubling of effort in a self-perpetuating cycle (Shafran et al., 2002). The distinction between striving for high standards and clinical perfectionism lies in the rigidity of those standards and the degree to which falling short threatens the person’s core self-concept (Shafran et al., 2002).
If you recognize these patterns in yourself, you do not have to work through them alone. You can reach Samuel directly by phone at 604-721-0604, by text, or through WhatsApp—no receptionist, no intake forms.
Why Is Perfectionism on the Rise?
A 2026 cross-temporal meta-analysis published in Psychological Bulletin examined 307 studies conducted between 1989 and 2024, drawing on data from more than 82,000 American, Canadian, and British college students (Curran et al., 2026). The analysis found that perfectionism has risen significantly across successive birth cohorts, and that perfectionistic concerns—which include fear of negative evaluation and distress over mistakes—have increased much faster than perfectionistic strivings since the early 2000s (Curran et al., 2026).
The researchers identified macroeconomic factors associated with these trends: slowing GDP per capita was associated with higher perfectionistic striving, while rising economic inequality was associated with steeper increases in perfectionistic concerns (Curran et al., 2026). These findings suggest that perfectionism is not purely an individual trait but is partly shaped by the social and economic pressures of a given era (Curran et al., 2026).
How Does Perfectionism Affect Mental Health?
A comprehensive meta-analysis by Limburg et al. (2017) synthesized data across multiple studies and found that perfectionism was significantly associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and eating disorders. Higher levels of perfectionistic concerns—including concern over mistakes, doubts about actions, and perceived parental pressure—showed the strongest associations with psychopathology (Limburg et al., 2017).
Egan et al. (2011) reviewed the clinical evidence and concluded that perfectionism functions as a transdiagnostic process, meaning it operates as a maintaining factor across multiple mental health conditions rather than being specific to one diagnosis. According to their review, perfectionism contributes to the persistence of disorders such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and social phobia because the rigid standards and self-critical evaluation patterns cut across diagnostic boundaries (Egan et al., 2011).
Perfectionism is also a significant risk factor for burnout. Hill and Curran (2016) conducted a meta-analysis and found that perfectionistic concerns—particularly the perception that others hold unrealistically high expectations—were associated with greater emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy. In contrast, perfectionistic strivings showed a weaker, mixed relationship with burnout (Hill & Curran, 2016).
Samuel offers a free 20-minute phone consultation to discuss what you are experiencing. There is no receptionist, no intake forms to fill out, and no obligation. Evening and weekend appointments are available, in person at the downtown Vancouver office or by video across British Columbia. Fees may be covered, depending on eligibility, by ICBC, CVAP, FNHA, IFHP, RCMP, VAC, and most other insurers, and direct billing is available.
What Does Counselling for Perfectionism Look Like?
Egan et al. (2011) reviewed cognitive-behavioural approaches to treating perfectionism and noted that interventions targeting perfectionism directly—rather than only addressing the resulting symptoms—can produce improvements across multiple areas of functioning. CBT for perfectionism typically involves identifying and testing the rigid personal rules that maintain the cycle, such as the belief that any performance below 100% is a failure (Egan et al., 2011).
Shafran et al. (2002) outlined a cognitive-behavioural model in which treatment focuses on the self-evaluation system: helping the person recognize that their self-worth has become overly dependent on achievement in a narrow domain, broadening the basis for self-evaluation, and developing tolerance for imperfection through behavioural experiments. These experiments typically involve intentionally allowing a standard to go unmet and observing that the feared consequences do not occur, or are far less severe than predicted (Shafran et al., 2002).
At Dr. Samuel Counselling & Neurofeedback, Samuel uses CBT alongside schema therapy, which addresses the deeper emotional patterns—such as unrelenting standards and defectiveness schemas—that often underlie perfectionism. Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is also used to help clients understand the protective role that their perfectionistic “parts” play and to develop self-compassion from the core Self.
Frequently Asked Questions About Perfectionism
Is perfectionism a diagnosable mental health disorder?
Perfectionism is not a standalone diagnosis in the DSM-5 or ICD-11. However, Egan et al. (2011) described it as a transdiagnostic process that maintains and worsens multiple diagnosable conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and eating disorders. A person seeking help for perfectionism may or may not meet criteria for a formal diagnosis, but the distress and functional impairment caused by rigid perfectionistic patterns are valid reasons to seek counselling (Egan et al., 2011).
What is the difference between healthy striving and clinical perfectionism?
According to Shafran et al. (2002), clinical perfectionism is distinguished by the overdependence of self-evaluation on achieving personally demanding standards. A person who strives for excellence but can tolerate falling short without a collapse in self-worth is engaging in healthy striving. Clinical perfectionism, by contrast, involves rigid standards where any perceived failure triggers intense self-criticism and a cycle of avoidance or compensatory effort (Shafran et al., 2002).
What types of perfectionism exist?
Hewitt and Flett (1991) identified three dimensions: self-oriented perfectionism (imposing high standards on oneself), other-oriented perfectionism (demanding perfection from others), and socially prescribed perfectionism (believing others expect perfection). The meta-analytic evidence shows that socially prescribed perfectionism, in particular, has been accelerating across recent generations (Curran et al., 2026).
Can perfectionism lead to burnout?
Yes. A meta-analysis by Hill and Curran (2016) found that perfectionistic concerns—especially the perception of externally imposed, unrealistically high expectations—were significantly associated with emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy. Perfectionism creates a cycle where the person pushes harder, recovers less, and evaluates their output more harshly, contributing to chronic depletion (Hill & Curran, 2016).
Is perfectionism linked to anxiety and depression?
Limburg et al. (2017) conducted a meta-analysis and found significant associations between perfectionism and symptoms of both anxiety and depression. Perfectionistic concerns—including concern over mistakes, doubts about actions, and perceived pressure from others—showed the strongest relationships with depressive and anxious symptoms (Limburg et al., 2017).
Are young adults more perfectionistic than previous generations?
Research indicates they are. Curran et al. (2026) analyzed 307 studies spanning 1989–2024, involving more than 82,000 college students, and found that perfectionism has been rising across successive birth cohorts. Perfectionistic concerns, in particular, have increased faster than perfectionistic strivings since the early 2000s, with rising economic inequality linked to steeper increases in concerns (Curran et al., 2026).
Does ICBC or CVAP cover counselling for perfectionism that developed or worsened after a car accident or crime?
If perfectionistic distress intensified following a motor vehicle accident, ICBC-funded counselling may cover treatment for the resulting psychological symptoms. If perfectionism worsened following a violent crime or sexual assault, the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) may fund counselling. Fees may be covered, depending on eligibility, by ICBC, CVAP, FNHA, IFHP, RCMP, VAC, and most other insurers, and direct billing is available. Samuel can explain your coverage options during a free 20-minute phone consultation.
How long does counselling for perfectionism typically take?
Egan et al. (2011) reviewed CBT-based interventions for perfectionism and noted that targeted treatment typically involves a structured course of sessions focused on identifying and testing the rigid rules that maintain perfectionistic patterns. The length of treatment varies depending on the severity of the perfectionism, any co-occurring conditions, and the individual’s goals. Samuel tailors the pace and approach to each person’s needs.
If perfectionism is affecting your work, relationships, or well-being, Samuel can help. Call 604-721-0604, text, or reach out through WhatsApp. You can also book a free 20-minute consultation online. Evening and weekend appointments are available, in person at the downtown Vancouver office (1300–1500 West Georgia Street) or by video anywhere in British Columbia. جلسات به فارسی برگزار میشود.
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References
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Curran, T., Pose, P. M., & Hill, A. P. (2026). Perfectionism is accelerating over time: A cross-temporal meta-analytic review of 35 years of college student data. Psychological Bulletin, 152(3), 255–287. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000518
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Egan, S. J., Wade, T. D., & Shafran, R. (2011). Perfectionism as a transdiagnostic process: A clinical review. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(2), 203–212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2010.04.009
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Hewitt, P. L., & Flett, G. L. (1991). Perfectionism in the self and social contexts: Conceptualization, assessment, and association with psychopathology. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 60(3), 456–470.
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Hill, A. P., & Curran, T. (2016). Multidimensional perfectionism and burnout: A meta-analysis. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 20(3), 269–288. https://doi.org/10.1177/1088868315596286
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Limburg, K., Watson, H. J., Hagger, M. S., & Egan, S. J. (2017). The relationship between perfectionism and psychopathology: A meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 73(10), 1301–1326. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22435
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Shafran, R., Cooper, Z., & Fairburn, C. G. (2002). Clinical perfectionism: A cognitive-behavioural analysis. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 40, 773–791.
