The Impact of Maladaptive Perfectionism on the Emotional Well-being of Students in Creative Professions

The study aims to investigate the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and anxiety, aggression, self-esteem, and psychological well-being among students of creative professions at a Russian arts institute. The sample included 106 students (80% female, 20% male) aged 17–29 years. The following methods were used: the Garanyan-Kholmogorova Perfectionism Questionnaire, the Budassi Self-Esteem Scale, the Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory, the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and a projective technique "Unfinished Sentences" adapted for the study. Results revealed a strong positive correlation between maladaptive perfectionism and anxiety (r = 0.62, p < 0.01), a moderate correlation with resentment (r = 0.45, p < 0.05), and a negative correlation with self-esteem (r = -0.51, p < 0.01). Women demonstrated higher levels of maladaptive perfectionism compared to men (68% vs. 42%). Recommendations include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) training and group mindfulness sessions to reduce anxiety and promote acceptance of imperfection.