A recent study conducted by Annett Stornæs at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences has explored the impact of perfectionism on the mental health of young people. Stornæs focused on students attending specialized lower secondary schools for sports, music, and ballet, comparing them to ordinary students. The research aimed to shed light on whether the growing professionalization in these fields is affecting young people’s mental health.
Perfectionism is often regarded positively, especially in the domains of sports, music, and dance, as it reflects qualities such as constant self-improvement, attention to detail, and striving for excellence. However, Stornæs’s findings suggest that perfectionism can also be associated with adverse factors that affect the well-being and mental health of young people, including students in specialized programs.
High expectations and demanding standards, often imposed by themselves and others, can become overwhelming and burdensome for young individuals. The pressure to excel, even in areas they are passionate about, can create excessive stress, leading to feelings of never being good enough, low self-esteem, shame, and guilt in perfectionists.
The study reveals a strong correlation between perfectionism and mental health challenges among young people. The findings underscore the importance of recognizing and addressing perfectionism, as it can significantly contribute to the mental health challenges faced by young individuals.
Moreover, the number of specialized lower secondary schools has grown significantly in recent years, suggesting the need for increased awareness and support to help students manage perfectionist tendencies and maintain their mental well-being in competitive environments.
