Stephanie Whitwell

Atelophobia is an intense, irrational fear of imperfection and defects. People impacted by this phobia may strive for absolute perfection in everything they do. Be it grades at school, friendships, family life or their chosen profession, the atelophobic individual may feel that they failed and disappointed everyone if they aren’t perfect.
Atelophobia derives from the Greek word “atelos”, meaning imperfect and “phobos” meaning fear.

What Causes Atelophobia?

As is the case with all phobias, the person suffering with Atelophobia has experienced an actual trauma at some time. That traumatic experience is then automatically and consistently associated with imperfection.

Perhaps the atelophobic person has an extremely low self esteem and is driven to prove their personal worth. Maybe this individual believes that nothing less than perfection is acceptable. Perhaps, as a child, this individual had parents who were too demanding and set expectations unrealistically high. Maybe the person coping with Atelophobia is involved in a highly competitive sport, business or academic program where imperfection simply isn’t tolerated.

Whatever the cause, the atelophobic person can experience anxiety and emotional turmoil that is completely disruptive to their ability to function.