The Multidimensional Nature of Perfectionism: Understanding Your Type

When someone describes themselves or others as "a perfectionist," they're often using this term as a one-dimensional label. However, as we explored in our recent Deep Thinking podcast episode, "The Perfectionism Trap: Breaking Free from Impossible Standards," perfectionism is far more nuanced.

Leading researchers Drs. Gordon Flett and Paul Hewitt revolutionized our understanding of this trait by demonstrating that perfectionism isn't a single characteristic but a multidimensional concept with distinct types, each with unique origins, behaviors, and treatment approaches.

This multidimensional understanding explains why some people's perfectionism manifests as workaholism, while others experience it as social anxiety or creative blocks. It also explains why one-size-fits-all advice about overcoming perfectionism often fails.