The Perils of Perfectionism

The Perils of Perfectionism

Striving for perfection at work or in one’s studies can paradoxically impair performance, lead to procrastination and impact negatively on one’s wellbeing. Perfectionism is a risk factor for developing a range of disorders including depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and eating disorders. In educational settings like OIST, where high standards are expected, understanding perfectionism is important as it may affect the wellbeing, motivation and performance of staff, students, researchers and faculty alike. Based on the latest research on the cognitive behavioural theory of perfectionism, the presentation will provide you with an understanding of perfectionism and the costs that can be associated with it, as well as tips and strategies to manage and address clinical perfectionism. The presentation is aimed at anyone who may be curious about perfectionism or how it may impact on performance and wellbeing.

Roz Shafran, PhD, is Professor of Translational Psychology at University College London, United Kingdom. Dr. Shafran's clinical research interests include cognitive-behavioural theories of and treatments for eating disorders, obsessive–compulsive disorder, and perfectionism across the age range. She is a recipient of the Award for Distinguished Contributions to Professional Psychology from the British Psychological Society, the Marsh Award for Mental Health Work and the ‘Making a Difference’ award from Positive Practice. With more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific publications, Dr. Shafran is co-author of the self-help guide Overcoming Perfectionism and the associated therapist manual. The self-help guide is available for loan at the Ganjuu Wellbeing Service.

The Ganjuu Wellbeing Service, as part of our Wellbeing Matters series have arranged with Dr Shafran to do a Webex presentation:

Title:    The Perils of Perfectionism

Date:   Wednesday 7^th December 2016

Where: Room C209 Centre Building

Audience: Open to the whole OIST Community

The talk is scheduled for 1 hour 30 minutes. Although Dr Shafran will be giving the Talk live from London, we have purposefully booked room C209 which has a microphone at each seat so it will be possible to ask questions. There are only about 60 seats so we are asking those who would like to attend the talk to register by clicking the following link here.