Perfectionism and Cognitive Flexibility
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Psychology
Minor
Biology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Daniel Wann, PhD.
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Perfectionism is often defined as “high standards of performance which are accompanied by tendencies for overly critical evaluations of one’s own behavior” (Frost et Al., 1990, p. 450). Although striving for high standards is characteristic of perfectionism, it is also a central concept of the construct of excellencism, that is striving for standards that are both high and attainable. Research has made a distinction between the pursuit of perfection and pursuit of excellence, suggesting perfectionists strive for high unattainable standards, whereas excellencists strive for high yet reasonable standards with more areas of flexibility (Gaudreau et Al., 2022). These differences have been examined in domains such as academics and creativity. However, less is known about how these constructs relate to cognitive functioning, more specifically cognitive flexibility. Cognitive flexibility is the ability to discern alternative solutions, behaviors, situations to adapt to everyday life (Vander Wal & Dennis, 2010). The current study aims to examine how an individual’s tendency to lean towards perfectionism or excellencism is associated with degree of cognitive flexibility. It is hypothesized that excellencists rather than perfectionists will score higher on a cognitive flexibility inventory.
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Psychology: Projects In-Progress
Perfectionism and Cognitive Flexibility
Perfectionism is often defined as “high standards of performance which are accompanied by tendencies for overly critical evaluations of one’s own behavior” (Frost et Al., 1990, p. 450). Although striving for high standards is characteristic of perfectionism, it is also a central concept of the construct of excellencism, that is striving for standards that are both high and attainable. Research has made a distinction between the pursuit of perfection and pursuit of excellence, suggesting perfectionists strive for high unattainable standards, whereas excellencists strive for high yet reasonable standards with more areas of flexibility (Gaudreau et Al., 2022). These differences have been examined in domains such as academics and creativity. However, less is known about how these constructs relate to cognitive functioning, more specifically cognitive flexibility. Cognitive flexibility is the ability to discern alternative solutions, behaviors, situations to adapt to everyday life (Vander Wal & Dennis, 2010). The current study aims to examine how an individual’s tendency to lean towards perfectionism or excellencism is associated with degree of cognitive flexibility. It is hypothesized that excellencists rather than perfectionists will score higher on a cognitive flexibility inventory.