+CHAPTER 8by Patricia Schuler,

Ph.D.

Perfectionism in Gifted Children & Adolescents

Tricia Bower

Anna Rader

+Perfectionism is…

The

Striving

For

Flawlessness

Mofield, 2010

+Gifted Children &

Adolescents3 Common Denominators: perfectionistic characteristics

possible force behind high achievement

appear to be more perfectionistic than average-ability peers

Evidence from clinical studies, and related research: Adderholdt, 1984; Ford, 1989; Hollingworth, 1926; Karnes & Oeher-Stinnett, 1986; Lovecky, 1994; Oden, 1968; Roeper, 1982; Silverman, 1990; Whitmore, 1980).

(Neihart, 2002)Image: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g4Jbow2EMuM/TLf4jSfRxLI/AAAAAAAABPo/qwfv1jW6084/s1600/perfectionism-756242.jpg

+Perfectionism is not always a bad trait.

inspire satisfaction.

provide creative contributions.

be a driving force to success.

translate into try again and again until I am successful!

cause intense frustration and anxiety.

become paralyzing or disabling.

encourage academic procrastination and avoidance.

If channeled positively it may…

If channeled negatively it may…

(Neihart, 2002)Image: http://www.psychologytoday.com/files/u45/accomplishment-vs-perfectionism.png

+Perfectionism is:

a combination of thoughts and behaviors.

often linked to high expectations.

related to one’s performance.

reputed to be psychologically unhealthy.

a common counseling focus for gifted children/adolescents.

reflected in a variety of psychological issues.

(Neihart, 2002)

Image: http://www.psychologytoday.com/files/u45/accomplishment-vs-perfectionism.png

+Theorists(perfectionism – a constructive part of development)

Adler (1973) striving to rise above

feelings despair hopelessness

Dabrowski (1972) not a maladjustment driving force promotes higher levels of

individual develpment

Lazarfield (1991) striving realistic useful becomes neurotic if

withdrawal from reality

Maslow (1970) absence of neurosis struggle for perfection toward self-actualization use of potential,

capabilities & talents

+Theorists(perfectionism – a damaging part of development)

Burns (1980) compulsive insistent strain unfeasible goal-setting

Pacht & Burns self-worth is measured by

accomplishments distortions in thinking related to multiple

psychological issues

Pacht found that perfectionism is associated with

(Neihart, 2002)

+ Personality Theories(perfectionism – manager of behavior and thinking)

receive pleasure from working hard

comfortable with being less exact if the activity allows

healthy consequences

unable to achieve satisfaction

feel undeserving of satisfaction

cause other psychological issues

Normal Neurotic

Enabling Disabling

Bransky, Jenkins-Friedman, & Murphy (1987)

Both groups of researchers discovered six common behaviors present in “normal” and “neurotic” perfectionist. Duration and intensity are the distinguishing factors present (next slide).

Hamacheck (1978)

(Neihart, 2002)

+6 Explicit Behaviors

Hamachek & Bransky et. al

depression

a nagging “I should” feeling

shame and guilt feelings

face-saving behavior

shyness and procrastination

self-deprecation

(Neihart, 2002)

+Possible Causes:

(Neihart, 2002)

+- Linda Kreger Silverman –

View On Perfectionism

+- Linda Kreger Silverman –

Proposes possible factors linking giftedness and perfectionism:

(Neihart, 2002)

+ How can we measure perfectionism?

Burn (1980) Burns Perfectionism Scale

personal standards concern over mistakes

Hewitt & Flett (1989) Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale

interpersonal aspects

Frost, Marten, Lahart, & Rosenblate (1990) Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale

intrapersonal nature based on Hamachek’s construct concern over making mistakes high personal standards perception of parental criticism, doubting quality of actions high preference for order and organization

(Neihart, 2002)

+Should Perfectionism be a Characteristic of Giftedness?

University of Calgary, Canada

Sal Mendaglio, PhD argues that it should not be because:

current measurements are not enough perfectionism should not be included as a characteristic lack of research nonempirical literature

(Mendaglio, 2007)

+Gifted Children & Adolescents

Where is the research?

Baker (1996) & Robers & Lovet (1994) found statistically higher levels

of perfectionism among gifted adolescents than nongifted students

studied grades 7-9 discovered that gifted girls report

higher levels than nongifted girls Kramer (1988) proposes

girls show more perfectionistic tendencies than boys

levels increase from elementary to high school

Data case studies anecdotal records few empirical studies

evidence collected for adults and college students

Schuler & Siegle (2000) found tendencies in all socioeconomic racial/ethnic statuses studied gifted grades 6, 7, and 8

Schuler noted that gifted adolescents perceive perfectionism as both helpful and harmful.

(Neihart, 2002)

+Question:

If during the first 5 or 6 years of school, a child earns good grades and high praise without having to make much effort, what are all the things he doesn’t learn that most children learn by 3rd grade?

Roberts, 2008

+Answer:

HOW TO FAIL

Roberts, 2008

Quality learning involves risk

taking!

Mofield, 2010

+Parents & Teacher Recommendations

High goals are okay. ★ Encourage high accomplishments. ★

Set appropriate expectations for gifted children.

Regardless of cause, negative manifestations need to be addressed. ★

Be cautious about viewing perfectionism as unhealthy. ★

Emphasize that setbacks are learning opportunities.★

Praise effort and determination rather than being smart/ talented. ★

Encourage children to focus their efforts into what they care about most as opposed to doing “everything” well. ★

Help them develop passion, progress, creative achievement, and celebration of attainment. ★

(Neihart, 2002)

+Parents & Teacher Recommendationscontinued…

Create atmosphere where students can appreciate the value of mistakes and failure.

Mistakes should be informative.

Emphasize process and growth versus final product.

Teachers should readily share mistakes. model coping strategies

Be mindful of your own perfectionistic tendencies.

Demonstrate unconditional love and acceptance. (Neumeister, 2007)

+Parents & Teacher Recommendationscontinued…

+Affective Curriculum is one that…

…meets

emotional

needs

such as the

need for

appreciation

and

acceptance.

•Grouping gifted students together

•Bibliotherapy: reading for self- understanding in solving personal problems

•Group discussions

Activities should focus onemotional needs by…

Mofield, 2010

+

Where do we go from here?

Examine how the role of parents as perceived contributors to the development of perfectionism may change across development.

Examine the developmental trajectory of perfectionism typologies in gifted students.

Develop scales for measuring perfectionism in the elementary population.

Clarify the current mixed research findings on whether or not the incidence of perfectionism is greater within the gifted population.

Conduct cross-cultural studies.

Examine level of challenge in relationship to perfectionism.

Examine the effects of interventions on reducing maladaptive forms of perfectionism in the gifted.

(Neumeister, 2007)

There is a need for more research and future studies on perfectionism in gifted students.

+The Life of a PerfectionistOn the following slides, you will be exposed to feelings and thought processes inspired by perfectionism.

+Perfectionism as a cycle:

http://sydney.edu.au/stuserv/images/counsellingService/Learn_To_Manage_Perfectionism_Diagram.jpg

+Perfectionist Characteristics

Believes that what she can do is more important and valuable than who she is.

Believes that her worth is as a human being depends on being perfect.

Sets impossible goals for herself

Has been praised consistently for her “greatness” and exceptional ability; fears she will lose the regard of others if she can’t continue to demonstrate that exceptionality.

May suffer from the “Imposter Syndrome” the belief that she isn’t really very capable and doesn’t deserve her success.

Resists challenging word for fear that her struggle will be seen by others.

Works very slowly in the hope that her product will be perfect.

Discovers a mistake in her work; erases until there is a hole in the paper, or crumples up the paper and throws it away.

(Winebrenner, 2001)

+Perfectionist Characteristics Continued…

Limits options and avoids taking risks.

Procrastinates to the point at which work never gets done or even started.

May cry easily in frustration when her word at school doesn’t seem to reach a state of being perfect.

Asks for lost of extra time to complete her work.

Asks for lots of help and reassurance from the teacher.

Cant take criticism or suggestions for improvement without being defensive, angry, or tearful.

Expects other people to be perfect- especially classmates, teammates, and teachers.

Is never satisfied with her successes.

(Winebrenner, 2001)

+How a Perfectionist Acts

Over-commits himself

Rarely Delegates work to others

Has a hard time making choices

Always Has to be in control

Competes Fiercely

Arrives late because one more thing had to be done

Always does last-minute cramming

Gets carried away with the details

+What a Perfectionist Thinks “If I can’t do it perfectly, what’s

the point?”

“I should excel at everything I do.”

I always have to stay ahead of others.”

“I should finish a job before doing anything else.”

Every detail of a job should be perfect.”

“Things should be done right the first time.”

There is only one right way to do things”

“I’m a wonderful person if I do well; I’m a lousy person if I do poorly.”

“I’m never good enough.”

“I’m stupid.”

“I can’t do anything right.”

“I’m unlikable.”

“I’d better not make a mistake here, or people will think I’m not very (smart, good, capable).”

“If I goof up, something’s wrong with me.”

“People shouldn’t criticize me.”

“Everything should be clearly black or white. Grays are a sign of confused thinking.”

(Desile, 2002)

+How a Perfectionist Feels

Deeply embarrassed about mistakes she makes

Disgusted or angry with herself when she is criticized

Anxious when stating her opinion to others

Extremely worried about details

Angry if her routine is interrupted

Nervous when things around her are messy

+

On Perfectionism: Reading Suggestion

The First Honest Book About Lies by Jonni Kincher is a treasure-trove of remedies of the need to be right. Warm and lighthearted examples cover: ideas thought to be true that turned out to be wrong. It is fun to read and helps our perfectionists give them selves and others a break.

Brenneman,2007

+Nurturing Suggestion

+Counselors can help…

+Resources

Delisle, Jim & Galbraith, Judy. (2002). When gifted Kids Don’t Have All the Answers. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing.

Davis, Gary A. & Rimm, Sylvia, B. (2004). Education of the Gifted and Talented (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Brenneman, Judy F., Kay, Kiesa & Robson, Deborah (2007). High IQ Kids. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing Inc.

Neumeister, Kristie S. ( 2007). Perfectionism in Gifted Students: An Ovperview of Current Research. Gifted Education International, 23, 254-263.

Mendaglio, Sal (2007). Should Perfectionism be a Characteristic of Giftedness? Gifted Education International, 23, 89-100.

Mofield, Emily Lynne (2010). Addressing Multidimensional Perfectionism in Gifted Adolescents With Affective Curriculum. Journal for the Education of the Gifted, 33, 479–513.

+Resources continued…

Roberts, Julia.(2008) Differentiation: The only Route to Continuous Progress. Presented at the Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education Conference.

Silverman, Linda (1993). Counseling the Gifted and Talented. Greeley, CO: Alps Publishing.

Silverman, Linda (1999). Perfectionism: The Crucible of Giftedness. Advanced Development, 8, 47-61.

Winebrenner, Susan (2001). Teaching Gifted Kids in the Regular Classroom. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Press Publishing Inc.