STUDY OF PERFECTIONISM AND PROCRASTINATION AMONG HIGHER MEDICAL EDUCATION STUDENTS

Abstract

This article explores the phenomena of perfectionism and procrastination among students pursuing higher medical education and examines their potential interrelationship. An online survey of 101 medical students revealed that 72.3% of respondents do not exhibit perfectionism, while 27.7% do—18% with an adaptive type and 82% with a maladaptive type. The predominant form of perfectionism identified was maladaptive, characterized by excessively high personal standards, persistent feelings of failure, and tendencies that may impair adaptation, contribute to psychological dysfunction, and reduce academic performance and future professional effectiveness. Students with maladaptive perfectionism represent a risk group due to excessive self-criticism, lack of self-compassion, and fixation on mistakes.

Procrastination was observed among all respondents. A low level of procrastination was reported by 43.6% of participants, while a high level was found in 24.7%. Correlation analysis revealed a negative moderate relationship between adaptive perfectionism and procrastination, and a positive moderate relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and procrastination. These findings suggest that heightened self-criticism is associated with a tendency to delay important tasks, potentially becoming an additional source of distress. Future research should investigate the links between perfectionism, academic achievement, and anxiety to inform effective interventions.