Multidimensional Perfectionism and Self-Reported Self-Efficacy in College Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between perfectionism and self-efficacy in college students. A multivari-ate analysis of variance including subscales of the Self-Efficacy Scale revealed significant differences between adaptive perfectionists, mal-adaptive perfectionists, and non-perfectionists. Follow-up tests showed that adaptive perfectionists scored significantly higher than both mal-adaptive perfectionists and non-perfectionists on General Self-Efficacy and Social Self-Efficacy. The findings of this study were consistent with the growing literature that suggests perfectionism may be adaptive as well as maladaptive. Implications for practicing counselors and psychotherapists working with the college student population are presented.