1. I will never be good enough!! – The rise of perfectionism among young adults.
- Author
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Kurz, Eva
- Subjects
- *
YOUNG adults , *COVID-19 pandemic , *AGE groups , *MENTAL health , *SOCIAL context , *PERFECTIONISM (Personality trait) - Abstract
This paper explores different factors that have been found to have a detrimental impact on the mental health of young adults today. The author demonstrates how environmental factors negatively impact internal processes, such as anxiety and low self-esteem. It looks at the various external factors that have led to a significant rise in perfectionism among the age group, such as a tougher social and economic environment, changes in parental rearing practices, social media and the way that young people come to define themselves narrowly by wealth and success. This is further exacerbated by the financial and psychological repercussions of the COVID-19 crisis on young people. The author explores her clinical experience as a psychotherapist working with young adults who never feel 'good enough'. The paper will suggest that parents, schools, universities, and employers need to understand that pushing for ever higher standards is problematic and proposes ways to help young adults to value themselves and be more resilient in tackling disappointments and challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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