The introduction
The fundamentals of the disease
When speaking about pathological perfectionism, it is necessary to highlight the basic signs of psychological disease. So, first of all, it should be pointed out that pathological perfectionism is characterized by setting unreasonably high standards. Generally, one is to keep in mind that the standards cannot be achieved, as they are considered to be almost unrealistic; however, persons who suffer from the kind of mental illness do not understand that their striving for perfection seems to be problematic.
One of the most widespread signs pathological perfectionism is based on is self-criticism. In other words, a kind of psychological disease causes stress, low self-esteem, depression, etc. Procrastination is also recognized to be one of the most common results pathological perfectionism leads to.
The thesis statement
The origin of pathological perfectionism is closely related to a person’s living conditions, mode of life and personal views/ambitions. Mental disorder development also depends upon high requirements a person is to satisfy in certain fields/spheres.
The body
Pathological perfectionism in relation to religiosity
Generally, pathological perfectionism cannot be regarded in relation to a certain category of people. So, any person can suffer from the disease. High-standard environments can be associated with religion, business sphere, medicine, education, personal development, etc.
Thus, when speaking about religiosity, one is to keep in mind that persons suffer from a disease, because of high religious requirements they are to meet. For instance, some people cannot be on a black fast, because this requirement is too painful for them. For this reason, such people constantly feel guilt and shame. So, in this case, the disease is related to eating disorders and numerous interpersonal problems appear.
The kind of mental illness in relation to education
When speaking about another example – education, it is necessary to point out that a person wants to obtain high academic results from all the disciples and, thus, the mark B is perceived as a real catastrophe. In other words, students comprehend a mark as they personal achievement, but not knowledge a certain discipline provides students with. Moreover, it is necessary to add that any mistake is regarded by students as their major setback.
When doing home assignments, such students cannot concentrate on the task; they always think about the mistakes professors can find in their works. Thus, such form of pathological perfectionism leads to procrastination, and a student does not want to perform academic tasks, in order to avoid failure. In other words, the process of thinking such students possess seems to be the following: if I cannot do the task perfectly, there is no need (sense) to do it at all.
A psychological disorder in relation to personal development
Pathological perfectionism can also cause another psychological disease. Thus, it has been proven that the kind of mental illness is an element of obsessive-compulsive disorder. In other words, it is necessary to understand that a kind of a psychological disorder can cause other mental diseases, if an appropriate treatment is neglected.
For instance, if a person suffers from pathological perfectionism, which is related to personal development, such person concerns over parents’ expectations and friends’/teachers’/professors’ evaluation. Such persons always doubt about the quality of their personal growth. As a result, they feel chronic fatigue and try to justify parents’ (professors’) confidence. So, under such conditions, a chain of negative outcomes can be expected. Obsessions appear.
The conclusion
The pathogenesis of the disease
Pathological perfectionism is considered to be one of the most dangerous psychological diseases. A person who suffers from the kind of mental disorder needs medical treatment. The pathogenesis of the disease is related to certain conditions a person experienced, when being a child. Strict restrictions, which parents want their children are to follow, can also cause pathological perfectionism.