Perfectionism and causal attributions: An experience sampling approach

Abstract

The primary aim of the study was to examine whether dimensions of perfectionism—socially prescribed perfectionism (SPP) and self-oriented perfectionism (SOP)—were related to causal attributions, and to what extent event-specific attributions about social interactions were related to mood. Experience sampling methodology was used to examine event-specific attributions about negative social interactions and mood in daily life. SPP and SOP had different relationships with trait attributional styles. Although neither SPP nor SOP were related to event-specific attributions, SOP moderated the covariation of negative attributions and sadness: higher scores on SOP were associated with a stronger relation between negative attributions and sadness. Additionally, SPP was positively related to the proportion of negative social interactions.