Perfectionism is both a driver and a symptom of chronic illness. Understanding this relationship is essential for breaking the cycle.
How Perfectionism Feeds Chronic Illness
- Perfectionist standards are unachievable, guaranteeing chronic disappointment
- Harsh self-criticism when falling short of perfect standards directly drives chronic illness
- Procrastination (a perfectionism avoidance strategy) creates shame and increases chronic illness
- The gap between standards and reality is a constant source of chronic illness
Types of Perfectionism in Chronic Illness
Self-oriented perfectionism: Unrealistically high personal standards Other-oriented perfectionism: Unrealistically high standards for others Socially prescribed perfectionism: Belief that others demand perfection from you
The last type has the strongest link to chronic illness.
Moving from Perfectionism to Excellence
Excellence — doing your best with available resources — is compatible with chronic illness management. Perfectionism — doing it perfectly or not at all — is not.
CBT and ACT are particularly effective for the perfectionism-chronic illness cycle.