What perfectionism really does to students

Whnzel Alvaran

The Philippine school environment is one that brings stress, from the rough balance of life and academia, to the unforgiving structure of the syllabus. This becomes a factor in affecting a student’s well-being —- how they function, and how their situations affect them mentally. 

With mental difficulties on the rise among students globally, a study from the University of the Philippines aimed to look into perfectionism, a commonly seen attribute of Filipino university students.   

Perfectionism and its three forms

In psychology, perfectionism presents itself as a personality trait that while motivational in moderation, can be toxic when in excess. It is driven by external pressures, the school environment being an important factor among young people. It has seen a rise for the past 30 years, with statistics claiming 66% of Filipino students claiming they have “perfectionistic tendencies”. 

Perfectionism can manifest in three domains: Self Oriented (SOP), Other Oriented (OOP), and Socially Prescribed (SPP).

Self Oriented Perfectionism is perfectionism where one puts highly unattainable standards to themselves. Other Oriented Perfectionism is when one sets high expectations on their peers, mostly observed in situations where combined effort  is necessary.

The most concerning, Socially Prescribed Perfectionism, is the subject of the paper’s main hypothesis. It comes out of the notion that others expect highly of oneself, and is the most associated with the negative effects of perfectionism. In the Filipino context, SPP can also tie in to utang na loob culture. In a study by Jeryl Tan, students could see academic performance as the legacy of their families, and feel it is their obligation to bring honor to the family.  

Its main importance though is how it is used in the 2×2 model of perfectionism, a framework by Gardreau and Thompson. The 2×2 model is used in studies that determine the unique effects of SOP and SSP when separate, when combined, or when not present at all. The study utilized the 2×2 model to assess 675 Filipino university students on where their perfectionism fits, and how that perfectionism affects how they cope. 

What the numbers meant

The study resulted in the 2×2 model showing how students who experience more SPP are more likely to experience the negative effects of perfectionism more than students who experience SOP or students who display mixed perfectionism. These students also reported using substance abuse, avoidance of conflict, and denial when it comes to their coping mechanisms.
Filipino students who deal with SPP have consistently shown to be way more vulnerable when it comes to negative changes in well being, expressing unhealthier coping mechanisms and being at higher risk of permanent damage to mental health. The thesis’s results both were in line with previous studies, suggesting a trend and a wake up call for students who constantly feel like eyes are expecting the greatest for them.

It also reveals how Filipino social culture of family legacy deeply affects the youth without realizing it. In a column by Abby Paison, she connected common phrases like “Why can’t you be an engineer?” or “Don’t be like your brother” with how Filipino society treats the youth as “inferior” to elders. This leads to children being desperate to be validated by their parents and relatives, deeply affecting their social life and academic performance.

Tsismis culture also amplifies the effect of familial standards. Gossip about a person’s failures can spread like wildfire, especially in schools, and can instill intense fear onto students. Even tiny statements like “the valedictorian failed in this quiz” can turn someone to Socially Prescribed Perfectionism.

The paper reveals how doing things to impress others or to chase social standing can be extremely detrimental to a student’s well-being. An achievement should be for oneself, but Filipino culture treats achievements as something for display instead of a motivational tool. It’s a reminder that when climbing up a flight of stairs, it’s better to look at the end goal than to focus on the steps you missed.

When you make your next goal, don’t make a list of the people who’ll be proud of you — but the improvements you make upon yourself when doing so.