Perfectionism in Social Anxiety
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Authors
Brochu, Holly
Issue Date
2025-04-18
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
concern over mistakes , doubts about action , other-oriented perfectionism , perfectionism , perfectionistic concerns , perfectionistic strivings , personal standards , self-monitoring , self-oriented perfectionism , social anxiety , social comparison , socially prescribed perfectionism
Alternative Title
Abstract
Perfectionism and social anxiety are deeply intertwined psychological constructs that significantly impact individual well-being. This capstone project explores how perfectionistic tendencies—particularly socially prescribed perfectionism, concern over mistakes, and doubts about action—contribute to the development and maintenance of social anxiety. Through an extensive literature review, this study examines theoretical frameworks such as the multidimensional perfectionism model, the perfectionism social disconnection model, and cognitive-behavioural models of social anxiety. Findings highlight the ways in which perfectionism exacerbates fear of negative evaluation, self-monitoring, avoidance behaviours, and emotional dysregulation in social contexts. Furthermore, the project outlines practical counselling strategies that address perfectionism as a mechanism for alleviating social anxiety symptoms. Evidence-based interventions including cognitive restructuring, social mishap exposures, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and self-compassion-based approaches are explored. This work contributes to counselling psychology by proposing an integrative treatment framework and emphasizing the importance of addressing perfectionism as a clinical issue. The capstone also points to a need for further research on culturally responsive interventions and integrated treatment models tailored to Canadian counselling contexts.