# Feedback systems as interferers in perfectionism: a systematic literature review

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how feedback systems affect perfectionism, showing that negative feedback can worsen outcomes for maladaptive perfectionists.

## Contribution

The study systematically examines how feedback valence interacts with different types of perfectionism, revealing distinct psychological and physiological effects.

## Key findings

- Maladaptive perfectionists show worse emotional and performance outcomes with negative feedback.
- Adaptive perfectionists benefit from positive feedback but suffer from negative feedback.
- Feedback systems can influence physiological stress markers in perfectionists.

## Abstract

Perfectionism is a multidimensional construct characterized by the striving for exceptionally high standards and critical self-evaluation. It can manifest in both adaptive and maladaptive forms. Feedback systems exert a considerable cognitive influence on individuals as the emotional and behavioral responses to feedback are often shaped by its valence—positive or negative. This study aimed to examine the relationship between feedback systems and perfectionism, including its various dimensions, and to assess how specific interventions influence perfectionistic traits.

A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines across six academic databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, and ERIC. The initial search yielded 441 articles. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 24 studies were selected for detailed analysis.

A clear association emerged between feedback valence and perfectionism. Four major outcome domains were identified as dependent variables: emotional response, behavior, task performance, and physiological (biomarker) indicators. Among adaptive perfectionists, positive feedback was linked to improved behavioral outcomes, whereas negative feedback elicited negative emotional and performance-related consequences. In contrast, maladaptive perfectionists showed a heightened vulnerability to negative feedback, displaying impaired emotional regulation, decreased performance, and elevated stress-related physiological markers.

Feedback directed at individuals with perfectionistic traits elicits distinct psychological and physiological responses. While positive feedback can foster beneficial outcomes in adaptive perfectionists, negative feedback—especially in maladaptive perfectionists—can have substantial adverse effects, highlighting the importance of developing individualized feedback strategies as part of the clinical and therapeutic interventions for individuals with perfectionistic vulnerability.

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD420251015998.