Perfectionism: Addressing Lofty Expectations in Medical School

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Author(s): Samantha Ilia Smith (West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, USA)and Mitchell Dandignac (West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, USA)
Copyright: 2018
Pages: 24
Source title: Exploring the Pressures of Medical Education From a Mental Health and Wellness Perspective
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Christina Ramirez Smith (University of the Bahamas, Bahamas)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-2811-1.ch003

Keywords: Medical Education / Medical Information Science Reference / Mental Health & Behavioral Studies / Social Sciences & Humanities

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Abstract

Perfectionism is the refusal to accept any standard short of perfect. Perfectionist students might strive for ‘faultless performance, meticulous attention to detail and high levels of competency' (Humphris & Kaney, 1998). In a field as complex and advanced as medicine, faultless performance is unrealistically expected. This chapter will discuss how the rigours of medical school promote perfectionistic behaviours in students. What is perfectionism? How does perfectionism in medical school affect students? How can educators and administrators identify perfectionism, provide psychoeducation, or address maladaptive perfectionism? How can students address perfectionism? It is essential to recognise perfectionism in medical students as research has shown that maladaptive perfectionism has been correlated to physician suicide (Scutti, 2014). The chapter concludes with recommendations on how students and medical educators can employ strategies to promote sound mental health and wellbeing during medical school.

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