Academia has long had its roots in being explorative, hardcore, where perfectionism cuts. A doctorate, like a PhD, can be a lot to take on, to study and get a grip of in itself (Patricio, 2020). However, the competitive nature of it, the load of expectations and pressure put on PhD aspirants is tremendous. This gives rise to PhD culture. Ecompassing a whole set of notions, taglines, expectations, and so much more that can lead to it feeling like a psychological burden. This article explores what perfectionism is, why we as humans feel like we’re never doing enough with the lens of PhD culture and how it creates a psychological burden.
Read More: “THE PERFECTIONISM”-Is it really a boon or a bane?
The Meaning of Perfectionism and Why We Crave It
Perfectionism, in its simplest terms, means aiming for the highest level of critical self-evaluation. This can also stem from an all-or-nothing thinking that is often observed in academics, where scores, tests, and degrees take precedence over mental health and interests. High achievers primarily have this mindset where something good or almost perfect is not enough, never enough.
This leads to perfectionism (Scott, 2024). Now, perfectionism can be seen manifesting in multiple areas of one’s life. Identity, work, studies, relationships, and so much more. Here, we specifically talk about the psychological toll that perfectionism takes in those aspirants who want to pursue or already are pursuing their PhDs. Now, there are multiple reasons why one chases perfectionism and even more in the field of academia and PhD culture.
For example, the fear of failure that creeps in due to the set of unrealistic standards that come along with a degree like this. (Scott, 2024). Added responsibilities, rules, and expectations can only add to the pressure. A postgraduate degree that is recognised worldwide is what a PhD means. The academic connotations, educational notions, along with a chain of expectations that revolve around it, gave rise to PhD culture. Here are a few reasons how this affects mental health and well-being psychologically, and the burden of it all.
Read More: We all need to (and can) get back on our feet after facing an Academic Failure
How Social Comparison Influences Self-Determined Behaviour
The social comparison theory talks about how one receives their dose of validation by comparing themselves to others. This is their way of evaluating their self-identity and self-concept (MSEd, 2024f). In the case of PhD culture, this can be relatable as they are likely to compare their performance from previous years, as well as the work put in during research and more at the time of the degree.
From assignments to experience, everything counts, and comparison finds a place in those cracks. Self-determination, on the other hand, talks about how when one is more in control of their own behaviour, thoughts and actions, they can hope to have a better effect on their outcome. This can lead to greater confidence due to boosted motivation (MSEd, 2024k).
For PhD students, this can be very important since motivation is the backbone for a degree, and often peer pressure or unrealistic expectations from family and professors or professionals can lessen the drive, leading to psychological stress and anxiety. The only way out then becomes perfectionism, to not come close to failure and remain motivated.
This, although in the long term can be a lot to process and function with often associated with imposter syndrome where one thinks they are the problem and or aren’t doing enough. Often also leads to burnout by overstudying or not getting enough sleep. Financial worries can also be a big reason that students want to do their best so as to excel and get better job opportunities, to be able to pay off any loans.
Read More: How is Perfectionism affecting your Self-Esteem and Life Satisfaction?
The Psychological Impact of Locus of Control and Cognitive Dissonance
Before we get to the locus of control, it is important to note that it is, in a way, related to perfectionism. Having control over your life means being able to perfect the thesis, for example, to make it that much better. According to the locus of control, the results of your actions and outcomes count as experience, and that can influence what steps one takes next.
If a particular career path or designation has not worked out and that has caused a shift in perspective, it can lead to demotivation and feeling like one is less in control (MSEd, 2024g). Not to mention the high level of pressure and eligibility criteria that are a never-ending race. Cognitive dissonance and stress in PhD students. When our thoughts and beliefs do not exactly fall in line with our actions, that’s a sign of cognitive dissonance.
Often, one might like one field of work that they want to get a PhD in but had to choose another due to any parental pressure or even spiritual pressure. Here, their beliefs and actions contradict and can show up as pressure, anxiety, stress and even depression (MSEd, 2025b). This can lead to wanting to fill that gap by doing and being the best they can, which leads to perfectionism, as mentioned before in this article. Even when aligning one’s work and thesis to conform to societal expectations or professional guidelines, this can go against one’s own moral beliefs and cause dissonance. A few Remedies to help perfectionism and stress (Scott, 2024b)
- Mindfulness techniques
- Increased sleep and a balanced diet
- CBT- Cognitive behavioural therapy
Conclusion
Under this glass ceiling standard that students aspire to break out of, a PhD is often a great achievement and at the same time a daunting one, with the loads of stress and need for perfectionism. Taking it one day at a time, slowing down and making sure we stay mindful, knowing that we are trying our best by reminding ourselves that we have what it takes to excel at the work we do, can surely make a difference.
FAQs
1. What is PhD Culture?
A postgraduate degree that is recognised worldwide is what a PhD means. The academic connotations, educational notions, along with a chain of expectations that revolve around it, gave rise to PhD culture.
2. What gives rise to perfectionism?
Fear of failure that creeps in due to the set of unrealistic standards that come along with a degree, like a PhD. Along with responsibilities, rules, and expectations can only add to the pressure that leads to perfectionism.
3. How can one help ease the psychological burden that comes with this culture?
A few Remedies to help perfectionism and stress (Scott, 2024b) are Mindfulness techniques, increased sleep and a balanced diet and even CBT- Cognitive behavioural therapy
References +
Patrício, M. T. (2020, November 30). Academic culture in doctoral education: Are companies making a difference in the experiences and practices of doctoral students in Portugal? https://www.informingscience.org/Publications/4665
Scott, E., PhD. (2024, June 17). Perfectionism: 10 Signs of Perfectionist Traits. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/signs-you-may-be-a-perfectionist-3145233
MSEd, K. C. (2024f, May 21). How social comparison theory influences our views on ourselves. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-social-comparison-process-2795872
MSEd, K. C. (2024k, July 18). Self-Determination Theory in Psychology. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-self-determination-theory-2795387
MSEd, K. C. (2024g, June 24). Locus of control and your life. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-locus-of-control-2795434
MSEd, K. C. (2025a, January 27). Cognitive dissonance and the discomfort of holding conflicting beliefs. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-cognitive-dissonance-2795012
Scott, E., PhD. (2024b, July 12). Top 10 stress management techniques for students. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/top-school-stress-relievers-for-students-3145179
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