Perfectionism

Perfectionism is component of gifted education that is often overlooked by parents and educators. Gifted students have profound potential with what they can accomplish in the academic environment and beyond that as well. But, there are components of their own giftedness that, when aren't handled properly, can hold them back and stop them from achieving and reaching their full potential.

Perfectionism is one of these traits that can present itself in gifted students. The impact of perfectionism on the student includes but is not limited to: test anxiety, decreased achievement motivation, decreased academic satisfaction, and an overall decrease in achievement (Miller & Neumeister, 2017). As a parent and/or teacher of a gifted student it is important to understand this component of perfectionism. As a gifted student, it is important to understand yourself and know why you may feel certain ways about achievement that holds you back.

There are two different types of perfection. Socially prescribed perfectionism (SPP) and self-oriented perfectionism (SOP). SOP focuses on 6 dimensions of perfectionism: excessive concern for mistakes, doubting of one’s actions, personal standards, perception of high parental expectations, perception of high parental criticism, and preference for order and organization(Miller & Neumeister, 2017). Ways to help a student/child who is impacted by SOP are by adjusting how you are attempting to motivate the student/child, assessing your parenting and teaching styles, and demonstrating a supportive and encouraging environment for the student. Make sure they know that it is ok to fail and then try again.

SPP is linked to neuroticism and authoritarian parenting style (Neumeister, Fletcher &Burney, 2015). In this case, again, it is important to reflect on your own parenting/teaching styles and assess how it is impacting your student/child. While this is not a full solution, being aware of your impact, your student/child's needs, and how those too mix is a step in the correct direction to foster success for your student/child.

References

Neumeister, K. L. S., Fletcher, K. L., & Burney, V. H. (2015, 09). Perfectionism and

achievement motivation in high-ability students: An examination of the 2 × 2 model of perfectionism. Journal for the Education of the Gifted, 38, 215-232. http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1177/0162353215592502

Miller, A. L., & Speirs Neumeister, K.,L. (2017). The influence of personality, parenting styles,

and perfectionism on performance goal orientation in high ability students. Journal of Advanced Academics, 28(4), 313-344. http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1177/1932202X17730567