Trait perfectionism and performance satisfaction in challenging laboratory problem-solving tasks

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism and performance satisfaction in response to challenging laboratory problem-solving tasks. In the laboratory session, 130 undergraduate students completed measures of perfectionism and stress and then attempted time-limited arithmetic and anagram tasks individually in groups of three or four. Upon task completion, the experimenter announced each participant's scores and the mistakes they made (no participant achieved a perfect score on either task). Participants then rated their performance satisfaction and perceived importance of their performances. Neither self-oriented nor socially prescribed perfectionism were significantly associated with participants' scores. Furthermore, both self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism uniquely predicted lower ratings of satisfaction after controlling gender, task scores, stress, and perceived task importance. Our findings provide further evidence for the notion that people with elevated self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism are susceptible to lowered satisfaction in response to performances.