شناسایی الگوهای شناختی افراد دارای کمال‌گرایی آسیب‌زا در محیط‌های رقابتی

فریبا مقدم; وحید سرلک

doi:10.61838/987546

Authors

Fariba Moghaddam Department of Educational Psychology, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran Author
Vahid Sarlak Department of Clinical Psychology, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61838/987546

Keywords:

Maladaptive perfectionism, cognitive patterns, competitive environment, thematic analysis, contingent self-worth, semi-structured interview

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the cognitive patterns of individuals with maladaptive perfectionism in competitive environments. This qualitative study used thematic analysis. The study population consisted of individuals aged 20 to 40 living in Tehran who had sustained experience in competitive academic, occupational, athletic, or artistic settings and described themselves as struggling with maladaptive perfectionistic patterns. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling with maximum variation, and recruitment continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The final sample included 22 participants. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews. After obtaining informed consent, interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and imported into NVivo software. Data analysis involved open coding, thematic categorization, constant comparison, memo writing, and researcher review to enhance analytic credibility. The analysis yielded five main categories: performance-contingent self-worth, catastrophizing mistakes and failure, threat-based social comparison, excessive cognitive control and evaluative rumination, and defensive avoidance of evaluative situations. Participants did not describe competitive environments merely as external contexts; rather, they experienced them as cognitive systems in which each performance episode was interpreted as a judgment of personal worth. Errors were not perceived as normal components of learning but as signs of inadequacy, falling behind others, or losing status. Many participants also reported persistent mental preoccupation with ranking, others’ evaluations, future performance, and an inability to feel satisfaction after success. The findings suggest that maladaptive perfectionism in competitive environments is not simply a strong desire for achievement but a cognitive organization based on contingent self-worth, perceived threat, harsh self-evaluation, and intolerance of imperfection. These results highlight the importance of cognitive interventions, self-compassion training, restructuring success criteria, and modifying excessively competitive cultures.

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