This book brings together the world’s leading perfectionism researchers and theorists to present their latest findings and ideas on how and why perfectionism may confer risks or benefits for health and well-being, as well as the contexts which may shape these relationships. In addition to providing an overview of the latest research in this field, this volume explores new conceptual models that may help further our understanding of when, how, and why perfectionism may be implicated in health and well-being. After presenting an overview of the conceptual and measurement issues surrounding the concepts of perfectionism, health, and well-being, three sections address the implications of perfectionism for health and well-being. The first of these sections provides an overview of research and theory on the role of perfectionism in health and illness, health behaviors, and chronic illness. The next section of the book focuses on the cognitive and affective underpinnings of perfectionism as they relate to psychopathology, distress, and well-being, including how it applies to eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. The final section of the book explores specific contexts and how they may contour the associations of perfectionism with health and well-being, such as in the domains of interpersonal relationships, academic pursuits, and work-related settings. Perfectionism and wellbeing is a topic not just for researchers and scholars, but clinicians and practitioners as well. For this reason, chapters also include a discussion of prevention and treatment issues surrounding perfectionism where relevant. By doing so, this volume is an important resource for not only researchers, but also for those who may wish to use it in applied and clinical settings. By presenting the latest theory and research on perfectionism, health, and well-being with a translational focus, Perfectionism, Health, and Well-Being makes a unique and significant contribution to perfectionism as well as general wellness literature, and highlights the need to address the burden of perfectionism for health and well-being. .

This milestone text provides a comprehensive and state-of-the art overview of perfectionism theory, research, and treatment from the past 25 years, with contributions from the leading researchers in the field. The book examines new theories and perspectives including the social disconnection model of perfectionism and the 2 × 2 model of perfectionism. It also reviews empirical findings, with a special focus on stress, vulnerability, and resilience, and examines perfectionism in specific populations. Finally, it considers how perfectionism relates to physical health and psychophysiological processes and introduces new approaches to effective prevention and treatment. By increasing our understanding of perfectionism as a complex personality disposition and providing a framework for future explorations, this landmark publication aims to promote further research in this field. It will be invaluable reading for academics, students, and professionals in personality psychology, clinical and counseling psychology, applied psychology, and related disciplines.

"Perfectionism is a fairly common phenomenon..." (more) Key Phrases: covert perfectionists, many perfectionists, healthy couples, Higher Power (more...) Ann W. Smith's voice is very positive, readable, and the book contains numerous concrete suggestions for change. It helps you see how good life can be once you show yourself the compassion you give to others and cut yourself some slack.

Grounded in decades of influential research, this book thoroughly examines perfectionism: how it develops, its underlying mechanisms and psychological costs, and how to target it effectively in psychotherapy. The authors describe how perfectionistic tendencies--rooted in early relational and developmental experiences--make people vulnerable to a wide range of clinical problems. They present an integrative treatment approach and demonstrate ways to tailor interventions to the needs of individual clients. A group treatment model is also detailed. State-of-the-art assessment tools are discussed (and provided at the companion website). Throughout the book, vivid clinical illustrations make the core ideas and techniques concrete.ÿ ÿ

When your life looks perfect, but you’re silently falling apart… If you were raised to believe that painful emotions are a sign of weakness, or if being vulnerable has always made you feel unsafe, then you may have survived by creating a perfect-looking life—a life where you appear to be successful, engaged, and always there for others. The problem? You’re filled with self-criticism and shame, and you can’t allow yourself to express fear, anger, loss, or grief. You recognize something is wrong, but you’re not sure what exactly—only that you feel trapped and alone. If this sounds like you, you may have perfectly hidden depression (PHD). With this compassionate guide, you’ll begin the process of understanding your perfectionism, identifying destructive beliefs, and connecting with emotions suppressed for far too long. You’ll also find tangible tips for quieting that critical inner voice, and powerful strategies for coping with difficult feelings. Most importantly, you’ll learn that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. If you’re ready to stop hiding and start healing, this groundbreaking book will guide you—every imperfect step of the way.

This practical resource provides an evidence-based framework for treating clients struggling with perfectionism, whether as the main presenting problem or in conjunction with depression, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Using a case formulation approach, the authors draw on their extensive cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) experience to present specific techniques and interventions. Coverage spans treatment planning, the therapeutic alliance, key obstacles that may arise, relapse prevention, and emerging research. Reproducible assessment scales and 36 patient handouts are included; purchasers get access to a Web page where they can download and print the reproducible materials in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size.

"When I read this book, I was struck by how perfectionistic traits permeate the lives of many of our patients in ways I had not previously considered. Dr. Brustein has done a great service for the therapist in their treatment of many of the patients they will encounter. His text is very well organized and facilitated being able to compare and contrast different approaches to the treatment of perfectionism. The clinical examples provide clear applications of the research material which is described at the beginning of each chapter. Dr. Brustein clearly has a mastery of not only the dynamics of perfectionism, but various philosophical approaches to understanding and treating patients in general. He's a skilled and masterful therapist." Jacob Kader, PsyD Director of Psychology, Manhattan Psychiatric Center "Perfectionism is a prevalent issue that many of those I've treated have struggled with, to the point of serious impairment in daily functioning. This book is an excellent guide for any practitioner working with difficult perfectionist patients. It also provides rich case examples and applied theory that can be a useful tool for teaching purposes at any level." Rick Barnett, PsyD, LADC M.S. Clinical Psychopharmacology President, Vermont Psychological Association Compelling research has recently established the negative effects of perfectionism, yet until now, no serious texts have addressed the management of perfectionist traits as they arise in psychotherapy. This is the first professional volume to provide practical guidance in using psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapies to help clients who present maladaptive forms of perfectionism. The book uses an integrated approach to understand the etiology of perfectionism from the perspectives of respected researchers and theorists. It addresses the assessment of adaptive and maladaptive forms of perfectionism, how to manage the defenses and ambivalence displayed by perfectionist clients, and their tendencies toward termination. Case studies will aid psychotherapists in understanding the complex transference and counter-transference issues that often arise with this population. Key Features: Provides practical guidance from an experienced clinician Highlights the importance of addressing perfectionism as an underlying factor in psychopathology Presents a link between specific disorders and perfectionist traits Offers ways to create a positive therapeutic alliance with the resistant perfectionist client