Identifying the Positives of Perfectionism and the Success in Perfectionistic vs. Non-Perfectionistic High School Athletes on Long Island: A Survey

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether perfectionist or non-perfectionist high school athletes have more success. The goal was to determine who had more success and determine any positives that may result from a perfectionist mindset. Prior research shows the extent to which perfectionism demonstrates negatives which include burnout, stress, competitive anxiety, and unrealistically high standards. However, prior research does not discuss any positives from perfectionism or whether the perfectionist or non-perfectionist high school athletes on Long Island have more success. Data was collected through a google survey and was analyzed through google sheets and self made charts. Both quantitative and qualitative data was used to analyze the free response, multiple choice, and likert scale ratings. Realistically, not every high school athlete on Long Island was surveyed. This study only includes those that chose to participate. The subjects were required to be within the ages of 13-18, play at least one sport, and live on Long Island. Initial results showed that the non-perfectionist had more success. There were very few positives to perfectionism which included positive mental and physical perseverance through obstacles, high satisfaction with themselves, and increased confidence. This means that non-perfectionist have more success and perfectionism has minimal positives. Therefore, the conclusion can be made that non-perfectionistic high school athletes on Long Island have more success than the perfectionist and the perfectionist experience minimal positives while playing a sport; however, this is not limited to all the positives that may result from perfectionism and is not including every single athlete. This is solely based on the participants and their honesty. It should give a complete look to perfectionism as it states its possible positives and adds to the negatives already discovered.