Rising parental expectations and criticism are linked to an increase in perfectionism among college students, which can have damaging mental health consequences, according to new research.
The Pressure Cooker: Parental Expectations Fuel College Perfectionism
It’s like being trapped in a pressure cooker. A new study finds that as parental expectations and criticism rise, so does perfectionism in college students. This relentless pursuit of flawlessness can take a toll on their mental health. Picture it like a balloon filling up with air, their stress levels expanding until it pops! It’s not surprising that these sky-high standards can lead to anxiety and depression. Preventing that pop might involve helping parents find a balance between supporting and pressuring their children to achieve. With a better understanding of this link between parental expectations and student perfectionism, researchers hope to develop interventions that promote healthier family dynamics and student well-being. It’s time to release the valve on this pressure cooker and create an environment where students can thrive!

Li Wei is a Chinese-Canadian neuroscientist in Vancouver, studying brain plasticity and lifelong learning. He contributes articles on harnessing neurotechnology to expand human capabilities, drawing from his experiences in cross-cultural innovation hubs.