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Understanding maladaptive perfectionism in college students
1College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 105 Garfield Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004, USA. harelsei@uwec.edu
Nurse Educator
|August 24, 2012
Summary
Perfectionism in nursing students can be unhealthy. This review helps faculty distinguish adaptive from maladaptive perfectionism and identify interventions for student well-being.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Psychology
- Student Health
Background:
- Admission to nursing programs is highly competitive.
- Students often exhibit perfectionistic tendencies in their academic pursuits.
- Unchecked perfectionism can negatively impact student mental health and well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate between adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism in nursing students.
- To equip faculty with tools to recognize signs of maladaptive perfectionism.
- To explore potential intervention strategies for supporting students.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on perfectionism in higher education.
- Analysis of psychological frameworks defining adaptive and maladaptive traits.
- Synthesis of findings to inform nursing faculty.
Main Results:
- Maladaptive perfectionism is characterized by self-criticism and fear of failure.
- Adaptive perfectionism involves high standards with self-compassion.
- Influencing factors include academic pressure and program competitiveness.
Conclusions:
- Faculty awareness of perfectionism types is crucial for student support.
- Early identification of maladaptive perfectionism can prevent critical manifestations.
- Targeted interventions can foster healthier perfectionistic behaviors in nursing students.
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