Advances in the study of perfectionism in sport

Interest in perfectionism in sport psychology has steadily increased over the last twenty-five years. The last 10 years in particular has seen a dramatic increase in research dedicated to the topic. As a result, we have learned a great deal about perfectionism in this domain. However, it is also an area of work in which there has been considerable disagreement on key issues; most notably, the degree to which perfectionism is helpful or a hindrance to athletes. A number of new concepts have recently emerged that may help navigate some of the issues that have historically hampered the study of perfectionism: combined and total unique effects, perfectionistic tipping points, and perfectionistic climate. In this short overview some of the latest advances in this area are introduced, explained, and discussed. Each concept offers interesting opportunities for advancing the study of perfectionism in sport. They also each provide avenues for novel research, as well as impetus to revisit previous research and existing data to yield new insights. Most importantly, the concepts offer the promise of taking us closer to our aim of understanding the effects of perfectionism in sport, and better identifying and supporting athletes at risk to its negative effects.