Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines the word “Perfect” as being entirely without fault or defect, or satisfying all requirements. The word derived from it “perfectionism” is the doctrine that the perfection of moral character constitutes a person's highest good. The very first emotion raised by this word results pleasant attitude towards the object characterized as perfect. But let’s ask psychologists. Are we right? It appeared that ...

According to the coping.org perfectionism is:
-The irrational belief that you and/or your environment must be perfect
-The striving to be the best, to reach the ideal, and to never make a mistake
-An all pervasive attitude that whatever you attempt in life must be done letter perfect with no deviation, mistakes, slip ups, or inconsistencies
-A habit developed from youth that keeps you constantly alert to the imperfections, failings, and weakness in yourself and others
-A level of consciousness that keeps you ever vigilant to any deviations from the norm, the guidelines, or the way things are ``supposed to be''
-The underlying motive present in the fear of failure and fear of rejection, i.e., if I am not perfect I will fail and/or I will be rejected by others
-A reason why you may be fearful of success, i.e., if I achieve my goal, will I be able to continue, maintain that level of achievement
-A rigid, moralistic outlook that does not allow for humanism or imperfection
-An inhibiting factor that keeps you from making a commitment to change habitual, unproductive behavior out of fear of not making the change ``good enough''
-The belief that no matter what you attempt it is never ``good enough'' to meet your own or others' expectations

And among the negative consequences of Perfectionism are: Low self-esteem, Guilt, Pessimism, Depression, Rigidity, Obsessiveness, Compulsive behavior, Lack of motivation, Immobilization, Lack of belief in self.

Freud and Alfred Adler’s predictions are proved and even today the findings show that perfectionists are at high risk for mental distress.

The research studied 252 participants’ results, answers on the questionnaire. It appeared that all the participants except 16 expressed extreme perfectionism that may lead to the health problems.

The researchers divide perfectionists into 3 types.
- self-oriented perfectionists (expect perfection of themselves)
- other-oriented perfectionists (demand perfection from other people)
- socially prescribed perfectionists (think others expect perfection from them).

According to the florineonline.com there are some tips through which one can identify he/she is perfectionist or not. And which are these?