Individuals with these perfectionistic traits, behaviours, and thoughts can experience a variety of negative outcomes. These problems can be found with perfectionistic children, adolescents, and adults. Here are some problems that have been found to be associated with perfectionism.
Psychological/Psychiatric Problems:
- Anorexia nervosa
- Anxiety
- Binge eating and bulimic disorders
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts and attempts
- Self esteem problems
- Personality Disorders
Relationship Problems:
- Low self compassion and the tendency to feel responsible for fulfilling others’ needs at the expense of one’s own
- Poor marital satisfaction
- Sexual dissatisfaction
- Excessive anger towards others
- Social disconnection
- Difficulties with intimacy
- Loneliness
- Social hopelessness (i.e., having negative expectations concerning future relationships)
Physical Health Problems:
- Prolonged elevations in stress responses
- Sleep Problems
- Chronic headaches
- Cardio-vascular responses
- Early Death
Achievement Problems:
- Workaholism
- Burnout
- Fear of failure
- Procrastination
- Self-handicapping (i.e., where individuals spend time finding excuses for poor performance rather than preparing for a performance)
Treatment Problems:
- Negative attitudes toward seeking help with professionals
- Difficulties in self-disclosing personal information which negatively impacts treatment
- Not being able to engage in treatment