PHILOSOPHY & PSYCHOLOGY
PHILOSOPHY & PSYCHOLOGY
The Hidden Epidemic of Perfectionism in Sport CHARLOTTE DARGUE
Despite the common belief that perfectionism is a prerequisite for success, research suggests otherwise: the most successful individuals tend to exhibit fewer perfectionistic tendencies. Perfectionism today has evolved into a ‘hidden epidemic’, particularly prevalent in places with a highly individualistic culture. The self-help industry, life coaches, personal trainers, and study drugs all capitalise on the mainstreaming of perfectionism, heightening its impacts on athletes at all levels.
Perfectionism is typically defined as a trait in an individual who holds rigidly to their standards, even in situations that do not call for perfection. In a healthier form, it is not a threatening trait to have and it can serve as a motivator, driving individuals to overcome challenges and attain success. However, when it begins to spiral into an extreme and unhealthy obsession, it leads to avoiding challenges, adopting an all-or-nothing mindset, and making toxic comparisons. This becomes especially impactful in the world of sports, where unpredictability reigns, making failure nearly inevitable.
Further knowledge of generational trauma supports the theory of its influence on mannerisms expressed as an adult. Generational trauma references unresolved trauma that is genetically inherited from parents or grandparents. For instance, in society, there is a recurring generational cycle of domestic violence. Between 30% and 40% of people who were abused as children go on to become abusers themselves. This cycle can be difficult to break as the child cannot comprehend non-violent domestic behaviours and therefore will struggle to treat their family in such a way in later life. Moreover, abuse can create an emotional disconnect within the child, often linked to disassociation
which can lead to difficulties expressing affection. These cycles are created intergenerationally as the abusive behaviours are rooted in their upbringing and the behaviour that their parents express to them. In conclusion, mannerisms displayed throughout adulthood can be heavily explained through the triggers and emotional defects created by childhood trauma. The understanding of the subconscious influence of childhood trauma has helped many professionals to guide people and support the reduction of violent characteristics, as people can begin to break down and overcome the generational cycles impacting their everyday behaviours.
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