Psychometric Properties of the Perfectionism Cognitions Inventory in Ecuador.

María Pilar Aparicio-Flores,José Manuel García-Fernández,Ricardo Sanmartín,María Vicent,Carolina Gonzálvez,Roberto Ovidio Freire-Andino

doi:10.3390/ijerph17165834

Abstract

Perfectionistic Automatic Thoughts (PATs) are currently being studied due to their association with maladaptive variables. This study aims to validate the Spanish version of the Perfectionism Cognitions Inventory (PCI) in a sample of Ecuadorian undergraduates as well as to analyze latent mean differences across sex. The sample was composed by 3060 undergraduates (Mage = 22.7, SD = 2.46). The Spanish model of the PCI composed by 17 items divided into three first-order dimensions (perfectionistic concerns, strivings, and demands) and a second-order factor was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. Acceptable levels of reliability and factorial invariance across sex were observed. Higher latent mean scores for males in comparison with females in the second-order factor of the PCI were found. The three dimensions of the PCI significantly and positively correlated with interpersonal difficulties. Overall, results demonstrate that the Spanish version of the PCI is a valid and reliable measure to evaluate PATs in Ecuadorian undergraduates.

Highlights

Perfectionism can be defined as a personality characteristic determined by a hypersensitivity to other’s evaluations, self-criticism, concerns about making mistakes, and lack of perfection as well as dichotomous thinking [1]
Based on the 17-item Spanish version of the Perfectionism Cognitions Inventory (PCI) proposed by Esteve-Faubel et al [18], several models were tested: a one-dimensional model based on studies that support the one-dimensional structure of the scale [3,13,19,31]; a three-dimensional model which is formed by three independent factors based on the study by Stoeber et al [31]; a model composed by three independent dimensions, which are correlated to see if a better fit of the data was obtained as stated by Esteve-Faubel et al [18]; and lastly, a structure of three dimensions encompassed in a higher-order dimension which is a three factor model based on the same latent construct, which complies with the structure of Esteve-Faubel et al [18]
After carrying out different CFAs to determine which structure was best adapted to the evaluation of Perfectionistic Automatic Thoughts (PATs) in an Ecuadorian population, the results from our study support the structure of the Spanish version of the PCI proposed by Esteve-Faubel et al [18] composed by 17 items structured into three first-order factors (i.e., Perfectionistic Concerns (PC), Perfectionistic Strivings (PS), and Perfectionistic Demands (PD)) and a second-order factor and evidence that it is a reliable and valid measure to assess PATs in Ecuadorian adolescents

Summary

Introduction

Perfectionism can be defined as a personality characteristic determined by a hypersensitivity to other’s evaluations, self-criticism, concerns about making mistakes, and lack of perfection as well as dichotomous thinking [1]. Some authors consider the existence of specific ruminative thoughts of perfectionist nature, i.e., Perfectionistic Automatic Thoughts (PATs), which reflect the need to be perfect as well as worries about being imperfect [3,4]. In consequence, these thoughts emerge when there is a difficulty reaching a goal or when the individual faces stressful situations that demand a perfectionist behavior [5,6]. Some people apply them in any situation [4] and PATs are well-established cognitions in most perfectionists, being manifested as a characteristic of their own personality [10]. It seems that, even after a year, people with

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