There are people who are so perfectionist that what should be a positive quality ends up becoming their main obstacle in life. However, atelophobia goes even further, since it is the fear of imperfection and can manifest itself in all types of day-to-day situations. Not only when it comes to meeting goals or carrying out certain tasks, for example, within the work or academic environment. People who suffer from it will suffer its consequences at multiple times in their daily lives.
The causes of atelophobia are not entirely clear; it is most likely due to the confluence of different reasons, as psychiatrist Augusto Zafra points out. Although some of those that are considered are a strict education both in the family and at school, a genetic predisposition, traumatic experiences or a perfectionist personality.
The psychiatrist explains that atelophobia is related to anxiety disorders and consists of an irrational fear of being imperfect or incomplete. This forces said person to impose unattainable self-demands, in addition to experiencing a compulsive need for perfectionism. It is a rare phobia that can vary greatly from one person to another, because what generates fear is subjective in nature: imperfection, as perceived by each individual.
However, since it is a phobia, the consequences it causes in people are not disgust or rejection, but genuine fear. Therefore, it gives rise to avoidance behaviors regarding that phobic stimulus. This will considerably affect the personal and professional lives of those who suffer from atelophobia.
If you suspect a case of atelophobia, you just have to pay attention to the symptoms. However, if you identify with them, it is advisable to go to a specialist to analyze the case and determine whether or not a person has this type of phobia. These are the signs that psychiatrist Augusto Zadra describes as characteristic of patients with this type of phobia.
