Perfectionism might be taking a toll on the psychological health of this generation, study states
| Updated: Jan 4, 2018, 16:22 IST
Perfectionism is the craving of the mind and body to be perfect all the time. And researchers state that perfectionism is increasingly found in the generation of today as compared to previous generations. And this might take a toll on their mental and psychological health, a UK study states. The study is the first to examine group generational differences in perfectionism, according to Thomas Curran from the University of Bath in the UK.
Researchers of the study state that perfectionism entails, “an irrational desire to achieve along with being overly critical of oneself and others.” As part of the study, they measured three types of perfectionism: self-oriented – an irrational desire to be perfect; socially prescribed – perceiving excessive expectations from others; and other- oriented – placing unrealistic standards on others.
This study has found that more recent generations of college students reported significantly higher scores for each form of perfectionism than earlier generations. As part of the study, it was also found that social media use pressures young adults to perfect themselves in comparison to others, which makes them dissatisfied with their bodies and increases social isolation.The drive to earn money, pressure to get a good education and setting lofty career goals are other areas in which today’s young people exhibit perfectionism.
Researchers of the study state that perfectionism entails, “an irrational desire to achieve along with being overly critical of oneself and others.” As part of the study, they measured three types of perfectionism: self-oriented – an irrational desire to be perfect; socially prescribed – perceiving excessive expectations from others; and other- oriented – placing unrealistic standards on others.
This study has found that more recent generations of college students reported significantly higher scores for each form of perfectionism than earlier generations. As part of the study, it was also found that social media use pressures young adults to perfect themselves in comparison to others, which makes them dissatisfied with their bodies and increases social isolation.The drive to earn money, pressure to get a good education and setting lofty career goals are other areas in which today’s young people exhibit perfectionism.