Students may exhibit perfectionism by dedicating excessive hours to study for a test or experiencing frustration during competitive sports. These behaviors suggest the complexity of perfectionism, making it critical for educators to recognize how it may affect students. Read more.

<p>
 We've all heard the saying, "practice makes perfect," as we work towards mastering 
 and understanding a skill. Although perfection itself doesn’t exist, perfectionism 
 involves setting high standards and striving to achieve our goals. However, 
 this mindset can have various effects that may be challenging to identify.
</p>
<p> Perfectionism is a complex trait with various implications, particularly in education. 
	Students may exhibit perfectionism by dedicating excessive hours to study for a test 
	or experiencing frustration during competitive sports. These behaviors suggest the 
	complexity of perfectionism, making it critical for educators to recognize how it 
	may affect students.
</p>

<h3> Understanding Perfectionism</h3>
<p>While motivation and the pursuit of perfection are encouraged in education, 
	not all students benefit from this internal and external pressure. Harvard 
	University acknowledges the prevalence of perfectionism among its student body, 
	categorizing it into self-oriented, other-oriented, and socially-prescribed types <sup>1</sup>.

</p>

<ul style="margin-left:30px;">
	<li> <strong>Self-oriented -</strong> internal expectations for one’s self  </li>
    <li> <strong>Other-oriented -</strong> high expectations for someone else  </li>
    <li><strong> Socially-prescribed -</strong> perceived social expectations<sup>1</sup> </li>
</ul>
</br>

<p>Due to the perceived pressure for these expectations, students may have 
	different effects to the pressure and may not recognize long-term effects 
	of unsustainable habits on their well-being (Harvard 2023). 

</p>

<p>Research suggests that perfectionism, while associated with higher motivation and 
	achievement, can also lead to negative consequences such as reduced well-being 
	and an increased risk of depression 2. The impact of perfectionism on students 
	may vary, and indicators such as a child's anxiety about making mistakes or 
	dissatisfaction with hard work can signal problematic perspectives 
	(Stoeber & Rambow 2007).

</p>

<h3> Negative Effects of Perfectionism</h3>
<p>Perfectionism can manifest in students through various negative effects, including:</p>
<ul style="margin-left:30px;">
	<li> Procrastination </li>
   <li> Depression </li>
   <li> Emotional explosiveness </li>
   <li> Stress </li>
   <li> Anxiety </li>
   <li> Low self-esteem </li>
   <li> Fatigue </li>
   <li> Shyness<sup>3</sup> </li>
</ul>
</br>
<p>These effects can significantly impact a student's overall well-being if 
	left unaddressed (Affrunti 2018).</p>

<h3> Strategies for Educators</h3>
<p>Helping students find support with their goals and expectations includes providing 
	positive approaches that will promote managing goals in realistic ways. 
	To mitigate the harmful effects of perfectionism, educators can adopt the 
	following strategies:
</p>
<ul style="margin-left:30px;">
	<li> <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/grow-a-growth-mindset?" target="_blank">Promote a Growth Mindset-</a> 
	Encourage students to embrace the challenges and mistakes by providing strategies that encourage growth.</li>

    <li> <a href="https://www.edutopia.org/article/using-praise-motivate-students/" target="_blank">Acknowledge positive behaviors-</a> 
	Providing praise and encouragement encourages confidence, self-esteem and supports positive behavior. </li>

    <li><a href="https://www.teachhub.com/classroom-management/2021/01/goal-setting-for-students-for-the-new-year/" target="_blank">Communicate realistic expectations-</a> 
	Encourage students to identify and set their own goals, which will support accountability for their progress.</li>

    <li> <a href="https://partnersinhealing.counselinginschools.org/activities/critique-sandwich-on-compliment-bread?gclid=CjwKCAiAjrarBhAWEiwA2qWdCC65lr4t4lA89aI1iPmDnCAbYdM7kp9aQvdflSOOv0zGNdr3BpAG7hoC2ggQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Provide feedback -</a> 
	Giving feedback and encouraging other students to use the “Sandwich Method” will help the reception and use of feedback and critique.</li>

    <li><a href="https://ro.ecu.edu.au/ajte/vol41/iss3/3/" target="_blank">Encourage peer support-</a> 
	Peer cooperation encourages sharing resources, responsibilities for projects and alleviates pressure for classwork <sup>4</sup>.</li>
</ul>
</br>
<p>These strategies aim to create a supportive environment where students can thrive without succumbing to the detrimental aspects of perfectionism.</p>

<h3> Conclusion</h3>
<p>Perfectionism can be a challenge, but with thoughtful strategies and a supportive 
	approach, educators can create an environment where both teachers and students thrive. 
	By implementing approaches that embrace the learning process, celebrate mistakes, 
	and foster a culture of growth, educators provide an opportunity for students to 
	reach their higher potential while mitigating the negative effects of perfectionism.
</p>

<h4> References:</h4>
<ol style="margin-left:30px;">
	<li> Harvard University (2023). Perfectionism. Academic Resource Center. 
		<a href="https://academicresourcecenter.harvard.edu/perfectionism" target="_blank">https://academicresourcecenter.harvard.edu/perfectionism</a> 
	</li>

	<li> Stoeber, J., & Rambow, A. (2007b). Perfectionism in adolescent school students: Relations with motivation, achievement, and well-being. 
		Personality and Individual Differences, 42(7), 1379–1389. 
		<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2006.10.015" target="_blank">
		https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2006.10.015</a> 
	</li>

	<li> Affrunti, N. (2018). <a href="https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1629919416/kcusdcom/kzrjwvqjfutqwye5dww9/Perfectionismhandout.pdf" target="_blank"
	>Perfectionism: Helping Handout for School and Home.</a> National  Association of School Psychologists. 
	</li>

	<li> Gillies, R. M. (2016). Cooperative Learning: Review of Research and Practice. 
		Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 41(3), 39–54. 
		<a href="https://doi.org/10.14221/ajte.2016v41n3.3" target="_blank">https://doi.org/10.14221/ajte.2016v41n3.3</a> 
	</li>
</ol>

Navigating Perfectionism