Perfectionism is a personality trait characterized by setting excessively high standards for oneself and being overly self-critical when those standards are not met. Individuals with high levels of perfectionism often strive for flawlessness and fear failure, leading to stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction with their own performance. Perfectionism can be adaptive in certain contexts, such as professional success, but it can also be maladaptive and contribute to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Researchers in this area investigate the causes, consequences, and interventions related to perfectionism to better understand how it impacts individuals' well-being and functioning in various aspects of their lives.