What relationship exists between anxiety and perfectionism?

The relationship between anxiety and perfectionism is well-documented in psychological research. Perfectionism is characterized by setting excessively high standards and being overly critical of oneself when those standards are not met. This relentless pursuit of perfection can lead to increased levels of anxiety, as individuals may constantly worry about making mistakes, not meeting expectations, or facing criticism.

Research indicates that perfectionists often experience higher levels of self-imposed pressure, which can create a heightened sense of anxiety. They may spend excessive amounts of time trying to achieve unattainable goals, leading to a cycle of anxiety and stress when they perceive that they fall short of those expectations. The fear of failure or not performing perfectly can be a significant source of distress.

In contrast, in understanding the other options, perfectionism does not generally lower anxiety or have no effect on it; it tends to exacerbate feelings of doubt and worry instead. While it might seem intuitive that striving for excellence could improve performance and therefore reduce anxiety, the exact opposite is often true for perfectionists, as the fear of imperfection intensifies their anxiety. Thus, the assertion that perfectionism may heighten anxiety accurately reflects the challenges faced by individuals with these tendencies.