The perils of perfectionism
From Harvard Thinking by Harvard University
December 17, 2025 · 29 min · Season 1 · Episode 21
About this episode
This episode discusses the negative impacts of perfectionism on mental health with insights from various experts.
Many people hold themselves to extremely high standards, but when the scales tip to the pursuit of perfection, it can result in anxiety, depression, and other serious mental health issues. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with journalist Jennifer Breheny Wallace, psychologist Ellen Hendriksen, and public health expert Michaela Kerrissey about when we’ve gone too far in trying to achieve our best.
People in this episode
Host: Samantha Laine Perfas
Guests: Jennifer Breheny Wallace, Ellen Hendriksen, Michaela Kerrissey
Topics covered
- perfectionism
- mental health
- anxiety
- depression
- high standards
Keywords
- perfectionism
- mental health
- anxiety
- depression
- high standards
- psychology
- public health
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Harvard University
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