Perfectionism and Stress during Student Teaching: Managing Uncertainty with Overcompensation

Student teachers who are unclear about their performance expectations may be driven toward perfectionism. This possibility is discussed as an over-compensation strategy to manage uncertainty and a perceived lack of clarity regarding student teachers' roles in the classroom. In this case study, I examined perfectionism and stress among six female student teachers enrolled in senior-year student teaching at a small private New England university. I conducted interviews regarding perfectionism, stress, and the coping strategies student teachers used to manage the stress of teaching. Response themes are identified, and strategies to manage perfectionism and stress-related behaviors for student teachers are provided. Finally, I consider the relevance of these present findings for other professional development programs.