The Psychology of Perfectionism in Sport, Dance and Exercise

Perfectionism has been found to play an important yet complex role in sport, dance and exercise.

This collection provides a comprehensive and up-to-date account of theory, measurement, research findings, and practitioner issues associated with perfectionism, providing readers with insights into both its benefits and its costs. The book features contributions from many of the leading researchers in the field, and also includes recommendations from experienced practitioners and clinicians on how best to work with perfectionists.

This book will provide students and researchers in sport and exercise psychology, as well as coaches and instructors in sport, dance and exercise, with an invaluable resource to guide their research and practice.

Contributors. Preface. Part 1: Conceptual, Measurement, and Development Issues 1. Conceptualizing Perfectionism: An Overview and Unresolved Issues 2. Measuring Perfectionism in Sport, Dance, and Exercise: Review, Critique, Recommendations 3. The Origins of Perfectionism in Sport, Dance, and Exercise Part 2: Approaches and Models of Perfectionism 4. An Independent Effects Approach to Perfectionism in Sport, Dance, and Exercise 5. The Tripartite Model of Perfectionism: Evidence from Research in Sport and Dance 6. The 2x2 Model of Perfectionism in Sport, Dance, and Exercise Part 3: Applied Issues and Practitioner Perspectives 7. Working with Perfectionism in Elite Sport: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy perspective 8. Perfectionism in Dance: A Case Example and Applied Considerations 9. Working with Perfectionists in a Clinical Context: A Practitioner's Perspective Part 4: Reflections and Future Directions 10. Reflections on Perfectionism and its Influence on Motivational Processes in Sport, Dance, and Exercise 11. Reflections on Perfection and the Pressure to be Perfect in Athletes, Dancers, and Exercisers: A Focus on Perfectionistic Reactivity in Key Situations and Life Contexts Index.

Andrew P. Hill is an Associate Professor at York St John University, UK. He has produced over 40 publications on the topic of perfectionism in sport, dance, and exercise. He is a former Associate Editor of the International Journal of Sport Psychology and current Senior Section Editor of the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sport. He is also a member of the editorial boards ofthe Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology and Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology.