Perls, polarities, and perfectionism

I am currently working on a dissertation proposal with a goal of exploring a possible link between perfectionism and splitting (dichotomous thinking). My theoretical "ground" is Gestalt therapy. In an attempt to explain the intrapsychic mechanism of splitting and its association with perfectionism, I am using Perls' "Top dog/under dog" polarity as a theoretical frame.

I wonder if anyone out there would have suggestions regarding references that might offer insight into how I might relate splitting to the mechanisms of polarity to explain perfectionism. References to empirical research in this area would be welcome as well.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Dave

• Response by Brian O'Neill, 4/28/99