An exploration of perfectionism and psychological wellbeing amongst undergraduate and postgraduate students

Taylor, Jasmine (2022) An exploration of perfectionism and psychological wellbeing amongst undergraduate and postgraduate students. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Purpose: This thesis aims to explore a) the associations between perfectionism, coping styles and psychological distress in university students, and b) the qualitative experiences of perfectionism and psychological wellbeing in Trainee Clinical Psychologists (‘trainees’).

Design: The portfolio contains the following sections: a) an introduction to the thesis portfolio, b) a systematic review of the literature on perfectionism, coping styles and psychological distress in university students, c) a bridging chapter summarising the literature on perfectionism and psychological wellbeing in postgraduate and healthcare students, including trainees, d) an empirical paper exploring the qualitative experiences of perfectionism and psychological wellbeing in trainees, e) an additional methodology chapter, and f) an overall discussion and critical evaluation.

Findings: The systematic review provides evidence for coping styles as a mediating factor in the association between perfectionism and psychological distress in university students but identifies a need for exploring qualitative experiences of perfectionism and psychological wellbeing in postgraduate and healthcare students, including trainees. The empirical paper used thematic analysis to identify three over-arching themes: a) The Paradox of Perfectionism, which describes trainees’ experiences of perfectionism protecting against negative self-beliefs, defining their self-image and gaining praise, whilst rendering them vulnerable to experiencing imposter syndrome, b) The Struggling Helper, whereby trainees reported experiencing psychological distress, but feeling unable to seek support, and c) Togetherness in Transformation, which describes how the shared experience with trainee and qualified colleagues helps to reduce perfectionistic standards and develop healthy self-relating.

Originality/value: The portfolio provides rich, qualitative accounts of the meanings and experiences of perfectionism in the examined populations, which adds depth to the current theoretical conceptualisations of perfectionism. The portfolio has implications for wellbeing support provided by universities, including UK ClinPsyD training institutions, as well as for the ongoing development of cognitive and third-wave approaches for perfectionism.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Chris White
Date Deposited:	14 Nov 2022 10:33
Last Modified:	14 Nov 2022 10:33
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/89836
DOI:

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