Feedback systems as interferers in perfectionism: a systematic literature review

Perfectionism is a multidimensional construct characterized by the striving for exceptionally high standards and critical self-evaluation. It can manifest in both adaptive and maladaptive forms. Feedback systems exert a considerable cognitive influence on individuals as the emotional and behavioral responses to feedback are often shaped by its valence-positive or negative. This study aimed to examine the relationship between feedback systems and perfectionism, including its various dimensions, and to assess how specific interventions influence perfectionistic traits.

A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines across six academic databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, and ERIC. The initial search yielded 441 articles. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 24 studies were selected for detailed analysis.

A clear association emerged between feedback valence and perfectionism. Four major outcome domains were identified as dependent variables: emotional response, behavior, task performance, and physiological (biomarker) indicators. Among adaptive perfectionists, positive feedback was linked to improved behavioral outcomes, whereas negative feedback elicited negative emotional and performance-related consequences. In contrast, maladaptive perfectionists showed a heightened vulnerability to negative feedback, displaying impaired emotional regulation, decreased performance, and elevated stress-related physiological markers.

Feedback directed at individuals with perfectionistic traits elicits distinct psychological and physiological responses. While positive feedback can foster beneficial outcomes in adaptive perfectionists, negative feedback-especially in maladaptive perfectionists-can have substantial adverse effects, highlighting the importance of developing individualized feedback strategies as part of the clinical and therapeutic interventions for individuals with perfectionistic vulnerability.

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD420251015998.