• 26th International Congress on PCP Belgrade 2025, ARTICLES, Special Section

When Only Perfect is Good Enough: A PCP Perspective on Perfectionism

Sokolović, A.

DOI:
10.69995/CUXD4222

Keywords:
Perfectionism, Hostility, Self-criticism, Burnout.

Abstract:
Perfectionism is widely recognized as involving fear of failure, high standards, and self-criticism. This paper reframes it within Personal Construct Psychology (PCP) as a form of hostility—a strategy for maintaining identity coherence under threat. Through examples of my work with clients, I show how perfectionism protects against anticipated invalidation while simultaneously undermining closeness and psychological flexibility. I outline therapeutic interventions grounded in PCP, with the purpose of easing clients’ struggles and supporting them in reconstruing their perfectionistic anticipations, thereby opening space for greater self-compassion and more meaningful, sustaining relationships.