Link Between Perfectionism in Youth and Rigorous Parenting, along with Childhood Hardships, Confirmed by Research
In a study published in the Journal of Psychology, researchers explored the connection between parenting styles and perfectionism, particularly focusing on the effects of authoritarian parenting. The study, conducted with 156 university students aged between 18 and 51 in Romania, found that authoritarian parenting – characterized by strict rules combined with low warmth – is strongly linked to both self-imposed perfectionism and perfectionism driven by external expectations.
Authoritarian parenting often fosters perfectionism in children as they strive to meet their parents' rigid expectations. This drive for perfection can manifest as an internalized pressure to avoid mistakes and gain parental approval. Over time, such perfectionism is linked to mental health issues in adulthood, including anxiety, depression, and difficulties with emotional regulation.
The long-term effects emerge because authoritarian parents typically set unrealistic standards and use threats or criticism rather than supportive guidance. Children internalize these standards as self-worth measures, leading to chronic self-doubt and fear of failure. This perfectionism, fueled by a lack of emotional safety and autonomy, contributes to increased stress and vulnerability to mental health disorders later in life.
Additionally, authoritarian parenting can contribute to infantilization, where children's independence and decision-making confidence are undermined, further amplifying perfectionistic tendencies and emotional struggles in adulthood. Without nurturing, empathetic parental relationships that allow safe emotional expression and resilience-building, children often develop maladaptive coping mechanisms, worsening their mental health outcomes.
The study also examined adverse childhood experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or family dysfunction, as potential influences on perfectionism. However, these factors were not found to predict it as strongly as parenting style.
The authors of the study suggest that parenting approaches that combine warmth with structure may help reduce the risk of harmful perfectionism, fostering resilience and healthier self-esteem in children. They also highlight the importance of mental health specialists in addressing the rise of perfectionism globally.
It's important to note that both men and women showed similar patterns in the study, with women reporting higher levels of adverse childhood experiences, while men were more likely to describe their parents as authoritative. The study does not discuss the role of cultural differences in the development of perfectionism, focusing primarily on the impact of parenting style.
Understanding the roots of perfectionism in both family life and childhood adversity may be crucial in reducing the mental health burden linked to this personality trait among younger generations. While self-oriented perfectionism can sometimes be adaptive, helping people stay motivated and organized, it becomes harmful when fueled by harsh internal criticism and fear of mistakes. Therefore, it's essential to promote healthier, more balanced approaches to parenting and personal growth to support the mental health and wellbeing of individuals and future generations.
