Push to perfection is a suicide risk factor, Western University researcher says
Western University News Sep 02, 2017
People who believe they must be perfect  and who ultimately canÂt deal with the thought of being flawed  are at much greater risk of suicidal thoughts and suicide, said a recent paper co–authored by a Western University researcher.
The role of perfectionism in suicide has until now been under–recognized and misunderstood in 50 years of case histories, theoretical accounts and empirical research into suicide factors, said the paper ÂThe Perniciousness of Perfectionism, recently published in Journal of Personality.
Lead investigator Martin Smith, a Western University doctoral candidate in the Department of Psychology, said the team drew together 45 studies and 54 samples representing almost 12,000 participants in the most comprehensive analysis to date of the perfectionism–suicide link.
ÂWe tend to think of perfectionism as potentially a good thing. WeÂre told, ÂAim high, reach for the stars,ÂÂ Martin said. ÂBut for some people, even excellence isnÂt good enough, and thatÂs where they run into issues. Insisting on flawlessness is simply not mentally healthy, adaptive or advisable.Â
The study notes that 10 to 20 million people attempt suicide each year and nearly one million people die by suicide. And while suicide rarely has one single cause, perfectionism must now be added to the list of potential contributing concerns, he said.
ÂWe canÂt at this point say perfectionism is a cause of suicide. But we can say the two correlate closely, he said. ÂThe drive to be perfect  whether itÂs because of internal or external pressure to succeed without ever failing  can be an unbearable and untenable strain.Â
People intent on perfection often fly below professionals radar because seeking help is an admission they are imperfect, he said.
The researchers said the study can help clinicians be more aware of an array of suicidal markers and develop preventive measures.
ÂOur findings join a wider literature suggesting that, when people experience their social world as pressure–filled, judgmental, and hyper–critical, they think about and/or engage in various potential means of escape (e.g., alcohol misuse and binge eating), including suicide, the study authors said.
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The role of perfectionism in suicide has until now been under–recognized and misunderstood in 50 years of case histories, theoretical accounts and empirical research into suicide factors, said the paper ÂThe Perniciousness of Perfectionism, recently published in Journal of Personality.
Lead investigator Martin Smith, a Western University doctoral candidate in the Department of Psychology, said the team drew together 45 studies and 54 samples representing almost 12,000 participants in the most comprehensive analysis to date of the perfectionism–suicide link.
ÂWe tend to think of perfectionism as potentially a good thing. WeÂre told, ÂAim high, reach for the stars,ÂÂ Martin said. ÂBut for some people, even excellence isnÂt good enough, and thatÂs where they run into issues. Insisting on flawlessness is simply not mentally healthy, adaptive or advisable.Â
The study notes that 10 to 20 million people attempt suicide each year and nearly one million people die by suicide. And while suicide rarely has one single cause, perfectionism must now be added to the list of potential contributing concerns, he said.
ÂWe canÂt at this point say perfectionism is a cause of suicide. But we can say the two correlate closely, he said. ÂThe drive to be perfect  whether itÂs because of internal or external pressure to succeed without ever failing  can be an unbearable and untenable strain.Â
People intent on perfection often fly below professionals radar because seeking help is an admission they are imperfect, he said.
The researchers said the study can help clinicians be more aware of an array of suicidal markers and develop preventive measures.
ÂOur findings join a wider literature suggesting that, when people experience their social world as pressure–filled, judgmental, and hyper–critical, they think about and/or engage in various potential means of escape (e.g., alcohol misuse and binge eating), including suicide, the study authors said.
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