Perfectionist
Educators, researchers, and parents often observe perfectionist behaviors in gifted students. It comes as no surprise, since these students are bombarded daily by parents, teachers, peers, and an entertainment industry that rewards them and encourages them to make the highest grade, produce a perfect painting, give a flawless performance, and gain admission into the best college. What are the characteristics of a perfectionist? Is perfectionism helpful or detrimental to a student’s success? What can be done to help students who place too much importance on perfection?
Educators, researchers, and parents often observe perfectionist behaviors in gifted students. It comes as no surprise, since these students are bombarded daily by parents, teachers, peers, and an entertainment industry that rewards them and encourages them to make the highest grade, produce a perfect painting, give a flawless performance, and gain admission into the best college. What are the characteristics of a perfectionist? Is perfectionism helpful or detrimental to a student’s success? What can be done to help students who place too much importance on perfection?
There's no evidence that perfectionism is more frequent with gifted children. Noted studies indicate an equal prevalence among high-achievers and the normal population. Studies show it's the other qualities in high-achievers, like motivation and drive to succeed, that lead them to be what they are. Their perfectionism, if present, in any form, is a shortcoming and can be tremendously harmful.
Below are some resources to read that may help you with your perfectionist.
Videos
Reading
Books:
Below are some resources to read that may help you with your perfectionist.
Videos
- Youtube video on the Perfectionist
- Helping your Perfectionist with Homework
Reading
Books:
- Freeing Our Families from Perfectionism , by Thomas S. Greenspon, Free Spirit, 2001
- The Nurture Assumption, by Judith Rich Harris, Free Press, 1998
- Perfectionism, by Miriam Adderholdt-Elliott and Jan Goldberg, Free Spirit, 1999
- When Perfect Isn't Good Enough, by Martin M. Antony and Richard P. Swinson, New Harbinger, 1998