AP SEMINAR IMP JASON PHAM

AP Seminar IMP 2023-2024

Pefectionism in higher level sports

Jason Pham

Research Question

Should society reconsider its emphasis on perfectionism to allow for more moral courage and authentic expressions of humanity in high achieving athletes.

Simone Biles and Moral Courage

“Few men are willing to brave the disapproval of their fellows, the censure of their colleagues, the wrath of their society. Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence." - The Simon Center

“It doesn’t matter who you are. You need support. You can’t divorce mental health from anything you do. It impacts your physical well-being, your decision-making, your ability to cope with difficult moments.”- Venus Williams

As cited in Alexandria Youth Network. (2022, June 29).

Thesis

Society must reevaluate its obsession with perfection in elite athletes, as this mindset jeopardizes their mental health and authenticity; instead, embracing human imperfections will cultivate moral courage and sustainable excellence in sports.

Philisophical

Philosophical concepts of courage, vulnerability, and what it means to fully express one's humanity

+info

Futuristic

Imagining a future where authenticity and moral courage are championed, not stigmatized

+info

Solutions

Media Responsibility

Mental Health Support

Limitations

Mental Health Support Limitations

Media Limitations

Call to Action

Athletes - Embrace vulnerability. Reject toxic perfectionism.Coaches - Nurture holistic human development first. Governing Bodies - Prioritize wellbeing policies, not just performance. Media - Amplify athlete authenticity, not sensationalized perfection. Fans - Value perseverance over superhuman ideals.

Sources

Alexandra Simmons (2022, July 11). Athletes, perfectionism and suicide. https://societyforpsychotherapy.org/athletes-perfectionism-and-suicide/ Alexandria Youth Network. (2022, June 29). Mental health minute: Venus Williams on mental health: 'Being tough means taking care of my whole self'. https://www.alexanderyouthnetwork.org/mental-health-minute-venus-williams-on-mental-health-being-tough-means-taking-care-of-my-whole-self/ Thomas, T., & Chaleff, I. (Eds.). (2022). Moral courage and intelligent disobedience. New Society Publishers. Thompson II, M. (2021, July 28). Simone Biles and the most human meaning of courage: Thompson. The Athletic. https://theathletic.com/2735178/2021/07/28/simone-biles-2021-olympics-courage-mental -health/