ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a historical overview of the concept of perfectionism. The first section details descriptions of perfectionism provided by early clinicians and theorists. The second section outlines common models of perfectionism adopted in sport, dance, and exercise. The third section discusses old and new debates in this area. These include whether the tripartite model of perfectionism is obsolete or can be re-envisaged, whether perceptions of external pressure should be considered a quality of the athlete, dancer, or exerciser or a quality of the social environment, and viable alternatives to “healthy” perfectionism and the pursuit of perfection in sport, dance, and exercise. It is argued that a re-envisaged model of the tripartite has merit, but it remains in a precarious position. In addition, relocating parental pressure and coach pressure is necessary to advance our understanding of perfectionism and the study of perfectionistic climates. Finally, following the publication of meta-analytical evidence that perfectionism likely has few benefits, and many costs, researchers and practitioners need to now consider the merits of its alternatives – pursuing high standards, imperfectionism, and excellencism.
