The Relation between Perfectionism, Perfectionistic Self-presentation and Coping Strategies in Medical Employees

Abstract

Perfectionism is a personality trait that interferes in a complex manner with all aspects of human life. The purpose of this study was to investigate the coping strategies that the medical employees with high levels of trait perfectionism and perfectionistic self- presentation tendencies generally apply in dealing with stressful situations. A sample of 60 participants (Mage = 38.6; SD = 9.42) completed self-report measures of perfectionism, perfectionistic self-presentation strategies and coping responses. Overall, our findings revealed that the medical employees preoccupied to present a perfect image of themselves might also tend to be characterized by trait perfectionism and to avoid seeking social support. Moreover, men seemed to have a more accentuated tendency to promote flawless personal traits and to not disclose their own imperfection to others, compared to women.