Maladaptive Perfectionism

Maladaptive perfectionism is a personality trait where an individual sets excessively high standards for themselves, often accompanied by critical self-evaluation and fear of making mistakes. Unlike healthy perfectionism, which can motivate and improve performance, maladaptive perfectionism can cause significant stress, anxiety, and feelings of worthlessness when expectations are not met. It may lead to procrastination, avoidance, or burnout, as the fear of not achieving perfection becomes overwhelming. This pattern can negatively impact mental well-being, relationships, and overall functioning, as the individual struggles to accept imperfections or mistakes as part of growth and learning.