Thomas Curran: Are we trying too hard to live perfect lives?

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.

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In this interview 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?  Why do we neglect some things in life that could bring us success and happiness? Social relationships and why they matter.  

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The Live Long and Master Aging (LLAMA) 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.