Understanding Perfectionism

Perfectionism is presented as a pervasive issue impacting many individuals, characterized as an unattainable goal that can lead to negative psychological outcomes. It manifests in three primary forms: self-oriented perfectionism, which is the internalized need to be flawless; socially prescribed perfectionism, where individuals feel pressured by external expectations to be perfect; and other-oriented perfectionism, where individuals impose their perfectionist standards onto others. The podcast emphasizes the detrimental effects of perfectionism, including increased anxiety, depression, and burnout, largely stemming from the harsh self-criticism associated with these beliefs. Dr. Curran's personal experiences reveal how overcoming these pressures has fueled his research and advocacy for a healthier approach to self-evaluation and acceptance.