Perfectionist behavior and expressions of perfectionism in drawings of kindergarteners

Abstract

Results based on two consecutive qualitative studies are documented in this paper. The first study focused on perfectionist characteristics in drawings of fifth graders. The second study was designed based on the findings from the earlier study, but it focused on drawings of kindergarteners at this time. Children’s drawings were analyzed to see meaningful connections between their behavioral perfectionism scores and their drawing characteristics. Findings were partly consistent with the literature and revealed that perfectionist behavior may have meaningful expressions in the art-making process and in artworks. Working on specific details meticulously, focusing on time-consuming details, not being able to see the whole, spending too much time on certain parts, and starting from details, were described as perfectionism-related characteristics. As an emerging characteristic, self-doubt, a lesser degree of determination, assurance and boldness in drawings are positively correlated with perfectionism. Subjects’ age group may be a significant factor to study perfectionism, and lower grade levels may not be suitable to study perfectionism through drawings because of their artistic developmental levels.