Mindfulness: Seeking a More Perfect Approach to Coping with Life's Challenges

Presentation Type

Oral and/or Visual Presentation

Presenter Major(s)

Psychology

Mentor Information

Lawrence Burns, burnsl@gvsu.edu

Department

Psychology

Location

Kirkhof Center 2215

Start Date

13-4-2011 11:30 AM

End Date

13-4-2011 12:00 PM

Abstract

In a preliminary investigation of mindfulness and various coping strategies associated with healthy and dysfunctional forms of perfectionism, we explored questions related to Hamachek's (1978) proposition of 'normal' or positive perfectionists as being able to accept less-than-perfect outcomes in certain circumstances. It was our hypothesis that higher levels of self-esteem would be associated with positive perfectionism, increased mindfulness, less categorical and more dynamic styles of problem-solving, and utilization of more adaptive problem-solving strategies. Further, it was our expectation that positive perfectionists would also experience a greater degree of life satisfaction. This study provides a plausible explanation of how positive perfectionists are able to disengage from non-productive efforts, and to achieve a particular goal and/or switch tactics when necessary by using proactive coping skills.

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Apr 13th, 11:30 AM Apr 13th, 12:00 PM

Mindfulness: Seeking a More Perfect Approach to Coping with Life's Challenges

Kirkhof Center 2215

In a preliminary investigation of mindfulness and various coping strategies associated with healthy and dysfunctional forms of perfectionism, we explored questions related to Hamachek's (1978) proposition of 'normal' or positive perfectionists as being able to accept less-than-perfect outcomes in certain circumstances. It was our hypothesis that higher levels of self-esteem would be associated with positive perfectionism, increased mindfulness, less categorical and more dynamic styles of problem-solving, and utilization of more adaptive problem-solving strategies. Further, it was our expectation that positive perfectionists would also experience a greater degree of life satisfaction. This study provides a plausible explanation of how positive perfectionists are able to disengage from non-productive efforts, and to achieve a particular goal and/or switch tactics when necessary by using proactive coping skills.