The Price of Perfection




The Price of Perfection

By Wildia Altema, Anaise Jordan, Laura Crim
 

        Academic pressure and the pursuit of perfection can seriously impact student mental health. One major factor is the high expectations placed on students, whether by themselves, their families, professors, or their schools. Many students face intense academic demands, including heavy coursework, frequent exams, and constant pressure to maintain high grades. This workload can quickly become overwhelming, with studies showing that over 80% of college students feel stressed by their academic responsibilities. Another factor can be the transition to college life. Moving away from home, adjusting to a new environment, and managing independence for the first time can be challenging. These changes can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation, making it even harder for students to focus on their studies.


   

        Perfectionism is another major issue. Many students feel pressure to excel in all areas, fearing failure or disappointment. This mindset can lead to constant anxiety, burnout, and a lack of self-worth if they don’t meet their high standards. High-achieving students, in particular, often struggle with these pressures in silence, feeling like they must always succeed. All of these factors contribute to growing mental health concerns among students, with many experiencing anxiety, depression, and burnout as a result.


        While striving for excellence can bring a lot of fulfillment to students' lives, there is a stark difference between excellence and perfection. Harvard conducted a study from 1989 to 2016 that found that students striving for perfection increased significantly (Kent, 2023). The price of perfection has been becoming more evident throughout the years. In 2022, a study showed that 85.4% of students identified with striving for perfection based on academic achievement and were affected mentally and physically. Most students who strive for perfection instead of excellence find themselves setting unrealistic goals, have many fears regarding their failure, overwork themselves to the detriment of their health, and are highly critical of themselves. Since no one is perfect, college students can unknowingly set themselves up for failure. This leads to reoccurring and constant disappointment. Their self-esteem and the perception of themselves will start to sour, leaving them with a “I’m not good enough” attitude. Potentially, the highest price of perfection is the student’s piece of mind. Once a person’s self-image is tarnished, then a multitude of mental issues can arise, such as social anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, depression, or suicidal thoughts (Newport Institute). 


Numerous factors contribute to students' academic pressure, which affects their mental health. It's essential to tackle the cost of striving for perfection. One practical approach is establishing realistic, achievable goals that match students' abilities and potential. “By creating an environment that values balance and resilience, educators can empower students to handle the pressures of their daily lives.” (Social Institute, 2023). Maintaining open communication with an advisor can assist in navigating academic objectives, while a strong support system of family and friends can provide motivation. It's also crucial to employ effective stress management techniques, including healthy coping strategies such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and time management skills. To help address these challenges, schools and colleges must provide mental health resources, encourage a balanced approach to academics, and create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable seeking help.




References: 

“College Mental Health Toolkit: Facts, Tips & Resources for Students - the Mental Health Coalition.” The Mental Health Coalition, 2 Oct. 2024, www.thementalhealthcoalition.org/college-mental-health-toolkit/?gad_source=1&.  


Editor. “Why Is Mental Health a Growing Concern among College Students? – Ledger.” Yale.edu, 14 Nov. 2024, campuspress.yale.edu/ledger/why-is-mental-health-a-growing-concern-among-college-students/. 


Institute, Social. “The Top Tips for Students to Handle the Pressure and Navigate Burnout.” The Social Institute, 11 Apr. 2024, thesocialinstitute.com/blog/the-top-tips-for-students-to-handle-the-pressure-and-navigate-burnout/. 


Jessica A. Kent. “Perfectionism Might Be Hurting You. Here’s How to Change Your Relationship to Achievement.” Harvard Summer School, 6 Nov. 2023, summer.harvard.edu/blog/perfectionism-might-be-hurting-you-heres-how-to-change-your-relationship-to-achievement/.  


Katzman, Lauren. “The Pressures of Perfectionism.” ASCD, 1 Feb. 2024, ascd.org/el/articles/the-pressures-of-perfectionism. 


Pedrelli, Paola, et al. “College Students: Mental Health Problems and Treatment Considerations.” Academic Psychiatry, vol. 39, no. 5, 21 Aug. 2015, pp. 503–511, link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40596-014-0205-9, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40596-014-0205-9.


“Perfectionism in College Students: The Mental Health Consequences of Trying to Be Perfect.” Newport Institute, 4 June 2022, www.newportinstitute.com/resources/co-occurring-disorders/perfectionism-mental-health/.

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