Perfectionism
Perfectionism is a
personality style that has been described frequently as a central feature of eating disorders (Bauer & Anderson, 1989).
Several theorists have hypothesized a pathogenic role for perfectionistic tendencies in these disorders (Hewitt, Flett,
& Ediger, 1995). A strong need for perfectionistic self-presentation can influence eating behavior by not allowing
the person to display imperfections, or admit to difficulties (Herwitt, Flett, & Fairle, 1993). It may be that women
with perfectionistic tendencies are more inclined to feel shame and dissatisfaction with their bodies when they compare themselves
to the sociocultural expectations of the thin-ideal. These sociocultural influences may interact in a complex fashion
with biological, cognitive, and personality influences to ultimately produce disordered eating behavior (Hewitt et al, 1995;
Stice & Shaw, 1994).
There is a commonly reported belief that individuals with eating disorders feel that
they must do everything perfectly and that these beliefs are self-imposed. This reflects the tendency of eating disordered
individuals to view achievements in black and white terms such that anything less than perfection is failure (Bauer &
Anderson, 1989.) Some perfectionistic striving seen in eating disordered behavior is motivated by strong needs to conform
to a model or ideal of perfection that is perceived as demanded of the self by others. The critical determinant of this
motivation is the central belief that one must be acceptable to others by meeting their perceived perfectionistic requirements
(Herwitt et al, 1995).
Hewitt, Flett, & Ediger (1995) have conceptualized perfectionism as a multi-dimensional
construct that incorporates self-related and interpersonal trait components, and self-presentational components. This construct
describes social facets of perfectionism as involving self-presentational styles that entail striving to create an image
of flawlessness to others. For the perfectionist, mistakes and flaws represent failures to live up to one's own perceived
expectations of perfection and may be interpreted as evidence of personal deficiencies. Mood disorders as well as any
other disorders can be painful reminders of personal inadequacies intensifying shame experiences for the perfectionist.
Denial, deception, and secrecy are characteristic of individuals with eating disorders which clearly suggests unwillingness
to admit problems and shortcomings, both to others and to themselves (Herwitt & Flett, 1990; Herwitt et al, 1995; Holderness
et al, 1994; Rosen et al, 1993).
Deborah J. Kuehnel, LCSW, © 1998
