Perfectionism and sporting practice. Functional stress regulation in adolescence

Abstract

Systematic practice of physical activity (PA) in childhood and adolescence enables the development of functional resources for subjective perception of well-being, stimulation of cognitive processes, and construction of the personality. The development of perfectionist beliefs is currently seen as a functional characteristic linked to positive aspects (positive affect, self-esteem, etc.), while its dysfunctional aspects have been associated with anxiety and stress. The aim of this study is to identify which indicators of perfectionism provide functional conditions/skills that, in combination with the level of practice of physical activity, facilitate stress regulation. A sample of 365 adolescents (183 girls and 182 boys) aged between 13 and 17 participated. The results show that as the intensity of physical activity increases, there are significant changes in the indicators for functional perfectionism (high personal standards and organisation), with reference to facilitating (at moderate levels) or limiting (if excessive or absent) perceived stress and, above all, increased intensity of physical activity accentuates dysfunctional perfectionism patterns. This research has made it possible to identify active psychological processes that influence functional or dysfunctional psychological responses in adolescents depending on their level of perfectionism and the intensity of practise of PA.

Perfectly Active Teenagers. When Does Physical Exercise Help Psychological Well-Being in Adolescents?

“…Although perfectionism maintains a multidimensional nature, the existence of ambivalent patterns is common in its relations with sports practice under constant functionality and dynamism [11,28,31,32,73]. Both the functional orientation (which allows one to adapt more effectively and with greater awareness) and the dysfunctional orientation (which orientates the reactivity toward fear and gives greater value to external pressures) feed off a greater intensity in the practice of physical exercise [74,75]; the first reaffirms such beliefs of security and focus (e.g., desire, commitment, or audacity), and the second avoids the associated negative symptomatology (e.g., greater anxiety, fear, or low self-esteem) and focuses toward the adolescents’ health [27,32,34].…”

“…Despite perfectionism being a personal disposition characterized by striving for flawlessness, it has been associated with positive processes and outcomes in the practice of physical activity (e.g., sport-specific engagement) [30] in both transversal [31] and longitudinal studies [11].…”

“…At present, this functional–dysfunctional approach to perfectionism suggests that perfectionism has positive, dynamic, or adaptive aspects, while it also has negative, limiting, or maladaptive aspects [31,37]. Studies reflecting gender in the relationship of practice of physical activity and personality traits determined that girls who were more extraverted and more open to experiences [32,38] also showed more perfectionism and stress perception while practicing exercise, compromising their intentions to exercise [10].…”

Perfectionism Profiles and Anger Responses: The Relevant Role of Self-Esteem in Athletes of Professional Quarries

“…Over the last few decades, a series of studies carried out with athletes [1][2][3] and with other performance-related populations [4][5][6][7] have promoted advances in the study of perfectionism by relating it to functional and adaptive aspects. Thus, perfectionism is now defined as a multidimensional personality trait characterized by effort and rigidity in setting high personal standards, accompanied by an excessive tendency toward critical assessments [6][7][8], which plays an important role in cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functioning [8][9][10]. Being a multidimensional construct, it has been studied using different models and measures, and thus dimensions based on intrapersonal and/or interpersonal aspects have been found.…”

“…multidimensional personality trait characterized by effort and rigidity in setting high personal standards, accompanied by an excessive tendency toward critical assessments [6][7][8], which plays an important role in cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functioning [8][9][10]. Being a multidimensional construct, it has been studied using different models and measures, and thus dimensions based on intrapersonal and/or interpersonal aspects have been found.…”