"It Has to be Perfect!": The Development of Perfectionism and the Family System

Perfectionism has deleterious effects on developmental outcomes for children, youth, and adults. Despite this, there is controversy regarding the nature of perfectionism itself and whether it can be positive or negative. This article identifies key findings in the perfectionism literature, reviews c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of family theory & review 2016-06, Vol.8 (2), p.154-172
Main Authors: Rasmussen, Katie E., Troilo, Jessica
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Child psychology
Families & family life
Family systems theory
Neuroses
parent-child relationships
perfectionism
System theory
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Summary:Perfectionism has deleterious effects on developmental outcomes for children, youth, and adults. Despite this, there is controversy regarding the nature of perfectionism itself and whether it can be positive or negative. This article identifies key findings in the perfectionism literature, reviews current research literature on the conceptualizations and antecedents of perfectionism, and outlines concepts of family systems theory that help explain how perfectionism develops in families. Three models are proposed to explain the development of maladaptive perfectionism, socially prescribed and self‐oriented perfectionism, and other‐oriented perfectionism—all in the context of the family system. Implications for future theory development, research, and practices are discussed, emphasizing the role of resilient processes within and outside the family unit.
ISSN:1756-2570
1756-2589
DOI:10.1111/jftr.12140