Research on perfectionism and achievement motivation: implications for gifted students

Perfectionism has been associated with a rigid adherence to impossibly high standards, an irrational importance on the attainment of these standards, and a tendency to overgeneralize failures. Researchers have primarily focused on how perfectionism predicts psychological adjustment; yet, recent research also indicates that perfectionism impacts students' achievement motivation. In this article, research on the relationship between perfectionism and achievement motivation in non‐gifted students is reviewed. Conclusions about perfectionism and achievement motivation in non‐gifted students will highlight directions for future research and implications for enhancing the achievement motivation of gifted students with perfectionism.