Insights and Challenges of Working With Perfectionism in Sport

Figures & data

Table 1. Overview of an ACT intervention to reduce perfectionism.

Session number	Area of ACT	Aspect or dimension perfectionism	Session overview
1	Introduction	Stigma	Introduces what perfectionism is, what ACT is, and how ACT can support perfectionism. Highlight the different dimensions of perfectionism, the negative aspects of perfectionism, as well as the difficulty in reducing perfectionism.
2	Being present	Concerns over mistakes	How to be present and emphasizing the importance of actively connecting with the present moment to overcome concerns of making mistakes. Providing practical approaches to achieve presence by utilizing the senses, such as "dropping anchor" to ground oneself in the current experience.
3	Mindfulness	Fear of failure	What is mindfulness and the use of different breathing techniques. The term "pink elephant" is often used in the context of mindfulness to illustrate the challenge of emptying the mind. How using mindfulness can help with fear of failure.
4	Acceptance	Self-criticism	Learning to accept mistakes and self-criticism. Acknowledging and embracing one’s thoughts, emotions, and circumstances without judgment or resistance. Contrast between struggling and opening-up.
5	Defusion	Doubt about actions	Introduce the concept of being unhooked from thoughts, such as “I am not good enough.” Learn different techniques to unhook from doubt about their ability. Introduce a compassionate mindset, which includes affirmation statements.
6	Values	Managing expectations	Introduce to values vs goals. Acknowledge how values provide direction and to make meaningful choices. Learn about overcoming expectations and managing internal and external pressure. Encouraging values over unrealistic demands.
7	Self	Negative reactions to imperfections	Learn and acknowledge self-perception and the importance of considering how one wishes to be perceived by others. Embracing and learning from imperfections and understand the implications of reacting negatively toward oneself.
8	Commitment	Healthy striving	Understanding how to maintain the healthy choices toward striving. Acknowledging the commitment needed to maintain progress, as well as exploring strategies for overcoming or managing fear in the pursuit of goals.

Table 2. Summary of challenges and recommendations for SPPs.

Challenges	Recommendations for SPPs
Athletes may not want to reduce their perfectionism.	Educate athletes on the dangers of perfectionism. Treat perfectionism as multidimensional and reduce specific perfectionism dimensions.
Athletes may hold negative attitudes toward help-seeking.	Extended period of psychoeducation to build rapport and engagement. Deliver online interventions to reduce their fears of being seen as imperfect.
Athletes may become more perfectionistic following an intervention.	Use evidence-based interventions that have been shown to reduce perfectionism. SPPs must upskill in effective approaches (e.g., ACT).
Athletes may be more receptive toward a ‘hands off’ approach.	SPPs must be sensitive to the athlete’s needs and make referrals if needed. Tailor the resources and check in with the athlete during the intervention.