CNBC
College students feel more pressure to be perfect. Experts explain why
Monday, September 14, 2026
College students report higher levels of perfectionism, according to researchers studying the trend. Economic pressure and increased inequality have been identified as contributing factors, along with social comparison. The specific mechanisms by which these factors influence perfectionist attitudes remain subjects of ongoing study.
Original reporting: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/09/14/college-students-more-perfectionistic.html
