Perfexionism Cantrigger Eating Disorders, Says The Expert: Compensation Of Sustainable Feelings
Illustration of perfectionism triggers eating disorders (Freepik/master1305)

YOGYAKARTA Pressure to always appear perfect is a big problem in modern society. From the desire to look perfect or get results that are not lacking in anything, it may cause self-dissatisfaction and to be too critical.

The real problem in perfectionism is building an unrealistic ideal image. An unrealistic ideal body, for example, can lead to negative moods, compulsive behavior, and eating disorders. Launching the explanation ofKAN Etherson, Ph.D., researchers who focus on the behavior of perfectionism from York St John University and University Og Glasgow, UK, the increasing pressure on eating disorders continues to increase.

Eating disorders are characterized by forgetful thoughts and unhealthy relationships with eating. Etherson explained that as reported by Psychology Today, Friday, January 27, eating disorders include anorexianervosa, bulimia Nervosa, orthorexia, and other prescribed eating disorders or OFSED.

Anorexia Nervosa and bulimia Nervosa are rooted in fear of weight gain and body dissatisfaction. Both are different, bulimia due to dietary restrictions that involve losing control over food consumption. Orthorexia involves an unhealthy obsession with eating quality, not quantity. Meanwhile, OFSED, eating disorders that cause significant clinical suffering.

All types of eating, can spend a lot of time, damage a person's health, and quality of life. Even those who do not have abnormalities can suffer significant pressure. Eating disorders are influenced by various factors, perfectionism is one of them.

Perfexionism, characterized by the determination of irrational standards and strong self-criticism. A very strong risk factor in a perfectionist is experiencing eating disorders. Because someone who wants perfection to find one thing that cannot be achieved and forces themselves.

Perfectionists are considered prone to eating disorders because they set unrealistic and rigid standards to achieve ideal body or physical weight and harshly criticize themselves when they do not meet those standards. These people engage in black-and-white thinking and view something less than perfection as a failure.

The struggle of achieving perfection can make a person lose control in the external aspects of their lives. Regardless of control through diets, sports, or other behaviors according to him as compensation achieves perfection.

Such compensation behavior is an attempt to promote a sense of perfection or hide signs of imperfections. Keengganan to recognize or express this imperfections is important given that confidentiality is a common characteristic of eating disorders.

Etherson's recommendation to overcome perfectionism, one needs to try to break up stiff standards. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also be done to help recognize, change the way people think, feel, and change deviant behavior. In addition, it is also important to learn to love yourself and show greater kindness. Plus, it is important to foster a sense of compassion that helps reduce rigid thinking and perfectionist behavior.


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