Key points

Perfectionism is associated with greater depression and suicidal ideation.

New research shows that higher perfectionism is associated with less improvement during hospital treatment.

The self-critical aspect of perfectionism may in particular interfere with treatment gains.

Perfectionism is a personality trait, defined as " the setting of exceptionally high performance standards and the engagement in intense self-criticism (Moscardini et al., 2025, p. 2). There are multiple aspects of perfectionism. People who tend to expect perfect performance from themselves and others may show elevated concerns of mistakes and a rigidity in their expectations.

The paradox of perfectionism is that striving to be perfect actually leads to worse outcomes. Attempts to appear flawless can

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