About this episode
How many times have you checked your ‘likes’ or searched for positive feedback in your social media feed today? Perhaps you’re the kind of person who always strives to be perfect and feels deflated when you fail to live up to your own expectations. What about being judged by others for not achieving your full potential? Perfectionism, says Dr. Thomas Curran, is “everyone’s perfect flaw.” Dr. Curran, an assistant professor in the Department for Health at the University of Bath, studies the personality characteristic of perfectionism, how it develops, and its impact on mental health. If we all relaxed a bit or stopped being hard on ourselves, would our lives be better? In this LLAMA podcast interview , recorded at TEDMED, Dr. Curran explains why he believes perfectionism can be harmful and the impact, he says, social media is having on our relationships and self-worth.
In the episode we cover:
- What does perfectionism mean in the modern world?
- Why pursuing perfectionism, in today’s culture, is potentially beneficial.
- When does perfectionism begin to be harmful.
- What are the three core elements that make up perfectionism?
- What are “helicopter parents” and how does their behavior affect their children?
- Are young people becoming more perfectionistic?
- How did Dr. Curran gather and analyse data for a large study into perfectionism?
- What is the correlation between depression and perfectionism?
- How are fundamental changes in society – such as the use of technology – affecting the pressures on young people?
- Why is life today sometimes more about the appearance of perfection than reality?
DISCOUNTS & AFFILIATION DISCLOSURES
This podcast is supported by affiliate arrangements with a select number of companies. We have arranged discounts on certain products and receive a small commission on sales. The income helps to cover production costs and ensures that our interviews, sharing information about human longevity, remain free for all to listen. See our SHOP for more details.
- SiPhox Health at home blood testing – get a 20% discount with code LLAMA at checkout
- EnergyBits – 20% discount on algae snacks | Use code LLAMA | Learn more
- Timeline Nutrition – 10% discount on Mitopure, highly pure Urolithin A. Use code LLAMA | Learn more
- Flexbeam – click here for latest offer on wearable red light therapy device | Learn more
- DoNotAge 10% discount on targeted supplementation | Use code LLAMA | Learn more
- Hampton Fitness – Movement & resistance training have long been associated with living a long, healthy life – along with a balanced diet and good sleep. For a 15% discount on essential workout gear use code: llamapodcast15 at checkout
Audio-only platforms
The Live Long podcast, a HealthSpan Media LLC production, shares ideas but does not offer medical advice. If you have health concerns of any kind, or you are considering adopting a new diet or exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.
