Dimensions Of Perfectionism Research Articles

Self-concept certainty in adaptive and maladaptive perfectionists

The present study examined the content of self-related beliefs (i.e., the self-concept) and the level of certainty associated with these beliefs (i.e., self-concept certainty) across adaptive and maladaptive dimensions of perfectionism. A sample of 103 university students (26 adaptive perfectionists, 28 maladaptive perfectionists, and 49 non-perfectionists) completed a series of questionnaires and a reaction-timed computer task assessing their self-concept content and level of self-concept certainty. Results revealed significant differences in the content of self-beliefs about personality attributes between perfectionist groups, such that those classified as adaptive perfectionists held more positive beliefs and less negative-related beliefs about their personality attributes when compared to maladaptive perfectionists. Results regarding self-concept certainty were less clear, with adaptive perfectionists being most certain in general on self-report measures, but more certain for positive personality attributes only when compared to maladaptive perfectionists on a reaction-timed decision-making task. Findings from the present study are discussed in terms of the way that self-concept certainty may differ across adaptive and maladaptive subtypes of perfectionists.

Anne Babaların Akılcı Olmayan İnançları ile Yaşam Doyumları Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi

Bu araştırmanın amacı anne babaların akılcı olmayan inançları ile yaşam doyumları arasındaki ilişkiyi belirmektir. Çalışma, yaşları 24 ile 68 arasında değişen 248’i anne 70’i baba olmak üzere toplam 318 kişiden toplanan veriler üzerinde gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırma da veri toplama aracı olarak Anne Babaların Akılcı Olmayan İnançları Ölçeği ile Yaşam Doyumu Ölçekleri kullanılmıştır. Verilerin çözümlenmesinde t testi, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis testi, korelasyon ve regresyon teknikleri kullanılmıştır. Araştırma bulguları anne babaların akılcı olmayan inançlarından gerek beklentiler gerekse mükemmeliyetçilik boyutunda cinsiyete, çalışma durumuna, aile türüne ve köken ailede algılanan aile içi ilişkilere göre farklılaşmadığı, eğitim durumuna ve ailenin ekonomik düzeyine göre farklılaştığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Bununla birlikte yaşam doyumunun cinsiyet, çalışma durumu, aile türü ve anne babaların eğitim durumuna göre farklılaşmadığı; ailenin gelir durumuna ve köken aileden algılanan aile içi ilişkilere göre farklılaştığı belirlenmiştir. Anne babaların akılcı olmayan inançlarının yaşam doyumlarını yordama durumunu belirlemek için yapılan regresyon analizinde ise akılcı olmayan inançların, beklentiler ve mükemmeliyetçilik boyutlarının yaşam doyumunu anlamlı şekilde yordadığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Son olarak araştırmadan elde edilen bu bulgular ilgili alan yazın çerçevesinde tartışılmıştır.

Eating disorders among Moroccan medical students: cognition and behavior.

Introduction and aimEating disorders (EDs) are complex, multifactorial diseases linked to biological, developmental, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Medical students are among subjects at high risk of EDs. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate EDs among 710 Moroccan medical students with a focus on cognition and behavior related to EDs.MethodsSociodemographic, economic, and clinical data were collected. Validated questionnaires, such as the SCOFF (Sick, Control, One Stone, Fat, Food) questionnaire and the Eating Disorder Inventory 2 (EDI2), were administered.ResultsThe male:female ratio was 0.53, mean age was 21±2 years, 11.1% of participants were underweight, 13.4% were overweight, and 1.8% were obese. A middle socioeconomic level was found in 84.9% of cases. The prevalence of EDs in students was 32.8% (37.6% among females and 23.7% among males) and that of weight-control behaviors 18.5%. Increased body-mass index values were significantly associated with dieting (P<0.001), fasting (P=0.044), and the use of appetite suppressants (P=0.037).ConclusionIt appears that the impact of EDs is high, affecting a third of medical students, with significant use of harmful weight-control behaviors. We also found that dimensions of bulimia, perfectionism, body dissatisfaction, and ineffectiveness, parts of the core of EDs, were found in future medical practitioners.

Attention biases in perfectionism: Biased disengagement of attention from emotionally negative stimuli

Background and objectivesPerfectionism is associated with the development and maintenance of several psychological disorders. Consequently, efforts to better understand perfectionism have potential transdiagnostic impact. One mechanism proposed to underlie perfectionism is an attention bias towards information signalling threats to perfectionism whereby people with elevated perfectionism selectively attend to threatening stimuli. MethodThe present study assessed whether two core dimensions of perfectionism, perfectionistic strivings and perfectionistic concerns, are characterised by a threat-related attention bias, and whether this bias was characterised by attention being more rapidly captured by the stimuli (engagement bias), or of greater difficulty to disengage attention (disengagement bias). Participants (N = 108) completed measures of perfectionistic strivings and concerns, and symptoms of psychological distress before completing a modified dot-probe task to measure attention biases. Attention bias index scores were calculated across three factors: engagement bias vs disengagement bias, perfectionism relevant vs irrelevant stimuli, and negative vs positive emotional stimuli. ResultsOverall, perfectionistic concerns were associated with a disengagement bias for negative stimuli, regardless of whether stimuli were perfectionism relevant or not. No other significant main or interaction effects were observed. LimitationsThe study was cross-sectional in design, and no temporal or causal inferences could be made. Additionally, participants were from a community sample and therefore replication is required in clinical populations. ConclusionThese findings demonstrate that individuals higher in perfectionistic concerns experience difficulty withdrawing their attention from emotionally negative stimuli. These findings contribute new information to our theoretical understandings of perfectionism and provide support for the cognitive-behavioural model of perfectionism.

Multidimensional Perfectionism and the Big Five Personality Traits: A Meta–Analysis

Multidimensional perfectionism includes the dimensions perfectionistic concerns and perfectionistic strivings. Many studies have investigated the nomological network of multidimensional perfectionism by relating perfectionistic concerns and perfectionistic strivings to the Big Five personality traits. Results from these studies were largely inconsistent. In the present study, we meta–analytically integrated 672 effect sizes from 72 samples ( N = 21 573) describing relations between multidimensional perfectionism and the Big Five personality traits. Perfectionistic concerns correlated positively with Neuroticism ( r = 0.383) and negatively with Extraversion ( r = −0.198), Agreeableness ( r = −0.198), Conscientiousness ( r = −0.111), and Openness ( r = −0.087). Perfectionistic strivings correlated positively with Conscientiousness ( r = 0.368), Openness ( r = 0.121), Neuroticism ( r = 0.090), and Extraversion ( r = 0.067) and were unrelated to Agreeableness ( r = 0.002). The measures of perfectionistic concerns and perfectionistic strivings moderated most of these relations. Meta–analytic structural equation modelling allowed controlling each perfectionism dimension for the respective other. This partialling increased all correlations with the exception of the previously positive correlation between perfectionistic strivings and Neuroticism, which ceased to be significant. The findings support the distinction between perfectionistic strivings and perfectionistic concerns and demonstrate how multidimensional perfectionism is situated in the context of broader personality traits. © 2019 European Association of Personality Psychology

Predicting Procrastination: The Role of Academic Achievement, Self-efficacy and Perfectionism

The aim of this study was to examine the relations of academic achievement, self-efficacy, and perfectionism with procrastination in University students, and to examine whether procrastination can be predicted by academic achievement, self-efficacy, and perfectionism dimensions. 227 University students from different faculties completed Tuckmans' procrastination scale, Almost Perfect Scale – Revised (APS-R; Slaney Rice, Mobley, Trippi, &amp; Ashby, 2001) and General self-Efficacy Scale (GSE; Schwarzer &amp; Jerusalem, 1995), as well as data about academic achievement at the end of last academic year. Results have shown negative correlations of academic achievement, self-efficacy and adaptive perfectionism with procrastination, and a positive correlation between maladaptive perfectionism and procrastination. Results have also shown that self-efficacy is positively correlated with adaptive perfectionism and negatively with maladaptive perfectionism. Maladaptive perfectionism was a positive predictor of procrastination, while academic achievement, self-efficacy and adaptive perfectionism were all negative predictors. Finally, we used Hayes bootstrapping method to examine possible mediations. The results have shown that self-efficacy, by its self, is not a significant mediator, while paths containing self-efficacy and adaptive or maladaptive perfectionism mediate the relation between academic achievement and procrastination. Furthermore, both adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism mediated the relation between self-efficacy and procrastination.

Exercise behaviour, enjoyment and boredom: A test of the 2 × 2 model of perfectionism

Previous research investigating the role or perfectionism in exercise has been limited by both the method of investigation (largely examining independent effects of perfectionism dimensions), and the outcome variables that have been studied (mostly maladaptive outcomes). The purpose of the current study was to investigate the role of perfectionism on exercise behaviour, boredom, and enjoyment using the recently established 2 × 2 model of perfectionism. This model proposes that different forms of perfectionism, such as self-oriented (SOP) and socially prescribed perfectionism (SPP), will interact to influence different outcomes. One hundred and ninety-four college students completed a multi-section inventory comprised of demographics, the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS; Hewitt, P. L., Flett, G. L., Turnbull-Donovan, W., & Mikail, S. F. [1991]. The Multidimensional perfectionism scale: Reliability, validity, and psychometric properties in psychiatric samples. Psychological Assessment: A Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 3(3), 464–468. doi:10.1037/1040.3.3.464), the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES; Kendzierski, D., & DeCarlo, K. J. [1991]. Physical activity enjoyment scale: Two validation studies. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 13, 50–64. doi:10.1123/jsep.13.1.50), and the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLETQ; Godin, G., & Shephard, R. J. [1985]. A simple method to assess exercise behaviour in the community. Canadian Journal of Applied Sport Sciences, 10, 141–146. doi:10.1037/t31334-000). Somewhat contrary to the predictions of the 2 × 2 model, we obtained significant interactions between SOP and SPP for boredom in exercise only. More specifically, the highest levels of boredom were associated with high levels of SOP and low levels of SPP (“pure personal standards perfectionism” in the parlance of the 2 × 2 model). In addition, SOP was a significant negative predictor of weekly, mild, moderate, and strenuous exercise minutes and a significant positive predictor of enjoyment. SPP positively predicted mild and moderate exercise. These findings do not offer full support for the use of the 2 × 2 model but we suggest that the model may be better suited for more achievement related environments.

Perfectionism and motivation in sport: The mediating role of mental toughness

An extensive body of research has been done on the links between perfectionism and motivation, yet the underlying mechanisms linking these psychological characteristics have been underexplored. In this study, we used an integrative modelling approach to examine associations between dimensions of perfectionism (i.e. personal standards [PSP] and concerns over mistakes [CMP]), mental toughness (MT) and motivational orientations (i.e. self-determined motivation [SDM] and non-self-determined motivation [NSDM]). Based on a sample of 318 male (n=218) and female (n=100) tennis players (Mage=17.61, SDage=2.41), fit indices derived from structural equation modelling supported a partially mediated model. Residual PSP associated positively with MT (β=0.74) and SDM (β=0.40), and negatively with NSDM (β=-0.22). Conversely, residual CMP associated negatively with MT (β=-0.14) and SDM (β=-0.19), and positively with NSDM (β=0.73). Mental toughness was positively associated with SDM (β=0.28), but was unrelated to NSDM (β=0.07). The relationship between residual PSP and SDM was partially mediated by MT (standardised indirect effect: 95% CI=0.19, 0.46). The findings of this study support research linking dimensions of perfectionism with motivational orientations and offer preliminary evidence on the mediating role of MT in the association between these psychological constructs. With emerging research supporting the capacity to develop MT through targeted interventions, the findings are discussed alongside salient implications.&#x0D; Significance: &#x0D; &#x0D; Mental toughness partially mediated the association between pure personal standards perfectionism and self-determined motivation.&#x0D; Particularly among athletes with higher personal standards of perfectionism, more autonomous forms of motivation may be sustained via efforts that seek to develop athletes’ mental toughness.&#x0D;

Perfectionism and the Five-Factor Model of Personality: A Meta-Analytic Review

Over 25 years of research suggests an important link between perfectionism and personality traits included in the five-factor model (FFM). However, inconsistent findings, underpowered studies, and a plethora of perfectionism scales have obscured understanding of how perfectionism fits within the FFM. We addressed these limitations by conducting the first meta-analytic review of the relationships between perfectionism dimensions and FFM traits (k = 77, N = 24,789). Meta-analysis with random effects revealed perfectionistic concerns (socially prescribed perfectionism, concern over mistakes, doubts about actions, and discrepancy) were characterized by neuroticism ( = .50), low agreeableness ( = −.26), and low extraversion ( = −.24); perfectionistic strivings (self-oriented perfectionism, personal standards, and high standards) were characterized by conscientiousness ( = .44). Additionally, several perfectionism–FFM relationships were moderated by gender, age, and the perfectionism subscale used. Findings complement theory suggesting that perfectionism has neurotic and non-neurotic dimensions. Results also underscore that the (mal)adaptiveness of perfectionistic strivings hinges on instrumentation.

Relacije asertivnosti i perfekcionizma

The aim of this paper was to examine whether there is a connection between assertiveness and perfectionism and whether there are gender differences in expressing assertiveness and perfectionism. The study was conducted on 201 respondents aged 20 to 50. The Assertiveness Assessment Scale (Tovilović, Okanović, and Krstić, 2009) consists of 27 items, which measure the degrees of assertiveness, ranging from Extremely low assertiveness, Low assertiveness, Average assertiveness, High assertiveness, to Extremely high assertiveness. The Perfectionism Inventory (PI, Hill, Huelsman, Furr, Kibler, Vicente & Kennedy, 2004) consists of 59 items divided into eight dimensions for measuring perfectionism: Concern over Mistakes, High Standards for Others, Need for Approval, Organization, Perceived Parental Pressure, Planfulness, Rumination, Striving for excellence. The research results have shown that there is a significant negative correlation between assertiveness and the overall score on the perfectionism scale (r=-.28, p<.01). Furthermore, there is a significant negative correlation between assertiveness with the following dimensions of perfectionism: concern over mistakes (r=-.49, p<.01), need for approval (r=-.53, p<.01), negative attitude and thinking (r=-.42, p<.01), on the other hand, assertiveness positively correlates with the organization dimension (r=.29, p< .01). When it comes to gender differences, making mistakes present the greatest concern for men (t=2.47, p<.05), while organization presents the greatest concern for women (t=3.44, p<.01).

Relationships of Perfectionism Dimensions with Postpartum Depression

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between perfectionism dimensions and postpartum depression among parturient women between 2 weeks to 12 months, using the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS). Methods: Participants were 150 women who had their infants examined for health in two public health centers in a city. The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire, which included the FMPS, Postpartum Depression Predictors Inventory-Revised and the Korean version of the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (K-EPDS). The data were analyzed using independent t-tests and a multiple linear regression. Results: The prevalence of postpartum depression was 43.3% (K-EPDS≥9.5). Multiple regression analysis showed that postpartum depression was significantly associated with parental criticism (β=.21), concern over mistakes (β=.19), postnatal maternal blues (β=.22), history of depression (β=.20), social support (β=.13), marital relationship/satisfaction (β=.14), prenatal anxiety (β=.17), and self-esteem (β=.15, all p values < .05). These variables explained 57.2% of the variance in postpartum depression. Conclusion: Parental criticism and concern over mistakes are personality dimensions that can be exhibited by participants and are therefore associated with the development of postpartum depression in parents of infants. The perfectionism assessment is needed to detect postpartum depression and develop strategies to provide effective and preventive interventions.

Self-criticism, Strivings and Aggressive Behavior in Spanish Children: The Two Sides of Self-Oriented Perfectionism.

This study analyzes the relationship between the two intrapersonal perfectionism dimensions (i.e., Self-Oriented Perfectionism-Critical, SOP-C, and Self-Oriented Perfectionism-Strivings, SOP-S) and the components of aggressive behavior (cognitive, emotional and motor) in a sample of 804 (48.3% females) Spanish students between the ages of 8 and 11 (M = 9.57; DE = 1.12). The Spanish versions of the SOP-C and SOP-S subscales of the Child/Adolescent Perfectionism Scale and the Aggression Questionnaire were used. Students with high SOP-C scored significantly higher (p &lt; .001) than their peers with low SOP-C on all components of aggressive behavior. The magnitude of these differences (Cohen's d index) ranged from .40 to .59. In contrast, non-significant statistical differences were found between students with high and low SOP-S. Moreover, logistic regression analysis revealed that SOP-C significantly and positively predicted high Hostility, Anger and Physical and Verbal Aggression, whereas none of these components were significantly predicted by SOP-S (95% CI). Results are discussed, taking into account the debate on the conceptualization and nature of intrapersonal perfectionism.

Perceived stress as a moderator of perfectionism, burnout, and job satisfaction among the millennial service workforce

The purpose of this study was to examine if perceived stress moderated the relationship between both adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism and two main outcomes, job satisfaction and burnout, among a sample of 131 Millennials in the hospitality industry. Millennial students enrolled in various hospitality management programs in the United States and employed at least part-time in the hospitality industry completed self-administered questionnaires on their perfectionism, perceived stress, job satisfaction, and three subtypes of burnout (personal, work-related, and customer-related). The results of this study indicated that while perceived stress did not have a moderating effect in regards to either dimension of perfectionism and job satisfaction, perceived stress did moderate the relationship between adaptive perfectionism and all three subtypes of burnout. The implications for hospitality employees with high levels of adaptive perfectionism are discussed.

Perfectionism as a Predictor of Anxiety in Foreign Language Classrooms among Russian College Students

This study examined perfectionism as a multidimensional personality factor which influences foreign language learning and classroom anxiety. Hierarchical regression analyses confirmed that the two dimensions of perfectionism, adaptive and maladaptive, relate to Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety (FLCA) differently. After controlling for the effects of general anxiety, perceptions of academic performance, and self-reported English fluency, perfectionistic discrepancy (maladaptive aspect) was a significant predictor of FLCA; perfectionistic standards (adaptive aspect) was not. Measures indicated that this multidimensional nature of perfectionism affects Russian students in the context of foreign language classroom anxiety. Implications regarding the prevention and intervention of maladaptive perfectionism among students are discussed, as well as directions for future studies. These findings are important for teachers, students, and experts who may interact with FLCA and perfectionism as well as those who may personally experience it. The possible strategies to reduce anxiety could include discussing unrealistic beliefs and expectations with reference to foreign language learning, accepting mistakes as an integral part of foreign language learning as well as coaching.

Multidimensional perfectionism, depression, and anxiety: Tests of a social support mediation model

This study examined the relationship between multidimensional perfectionism, social support, and two outcomes (depression and anxiety) in a sample of 1785 undergraduate students. Perfectionistic concerns had a negative relationship with social support, and perfectionistic strivings had a positive relationship with social support. The relationships between both dimensions of perfectionism and both outcomes were mediated by social support.

Perfectionism: a challenging but worthwhile research area for educational psychology

ABSTRACT The limited and largely international, adult-based literature links perfectionism with both positive (achievement, life satisfaction) and negative (mental health difficulties, suicide) outcomes, both of which have relevance for education. This review identifies the key areas of agreement and conflict in the current research base, relating to the definition and dimensions of perfectionism, its development and link with learning and behaviour, and the perceived risks and benefits of high levels of perfectionism. The dominant discourse is a multidimensional model of perfectionism which develops through a complex combination of genes, upbringing, personality and experience. There is strong evidence for perfectionism presenting greater risk than benefit to the individual, with a need to distinguish perfectionism from high achievement. There is a proposed function of perfectionism as a coping strategy for the individual, with discussion of a related role for the Educational Psychologist (EP), as well as ideas for future research.

Self-critical perfectionism, experiential avoidance, and depressive and anxious symptoms over two years: A three-wave longitudinal study

This three-wave longitudinal study examined the relations among perfectionism, experiential avoidance, and depressive and anxious symptoms over two years. Community adults (N = 173) completed self-report questionnaires assessing two higher-order perfectionism dimensions (self-critical [SC], personal standards [PS]), neuroticism, experiential avoidance, and depressive and anxious symptoms at Time 1, Time 2 one year later, and Time 3 two years later. Cross-lagged path analyses demonstrated that SC perfectionism predicted increases in experiential avoidance from Time 1 to Time 2 and again from Time 2 to Time 3. Experiential avoidance predicted increases in both depressive and anxious symptoms from Time 1 to Time 2 and again from Time 2 to Time 3. Time 2 experiential avoidance mediated the relation between Time 1 SC perfectionism and both depressive and anxious symptoms over two years, controlling for the effects of Time 1 neuroticism and prior symptom levels. Experiential avoidance did not mediate the relations between PS perfectionism and depressive/anxious symptoms over two years. These findings highlight the importance of targeting experiential avoidance in reducing vulnerability to depressive and anxious symptoms over the long-term in individuals with higher SC perfectionism.

Music performance anxiety and its relationship with social phobia and dimensions of perfectionism

Although music performance anxiety (MPA) is a common problem, there are only a few studies on this subject in Hungary. In this article, we investigate the underlying socio-demographic and psychological factors related to music performance anxiety. The sample consisted of musicians ( N = 100; aged between 15–35 years) who were studying or had completed their musical education. Study participants completed the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory, Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, Social Phobia Inventory and other music-related questions. Females reported higher levels of MPA and social anxiety without a significant difference in perfectionism. Social phobia and perfectionism were significantly correlated with MPA. In multiple regression analysis four out of six subscales of perfectionism significantly predicted MPA, among which Parental Criticism and Doubts about Actions were positive, while Parental Expectations and Preference for Organization were negative predictors. We conclude that there is a strong interrelationship among MPA, social anxiety, and perfectionism. Findings suggest that in some cases of MPA there may also be co-morbid, non-performance related social phobia. These results indicate that MPA is complex and multi-factorial, with possible early onset, thus alerting parents, teachers, and mental health professionals to the value of early recognition, management, and intervention.

Are perfectionism dimensions risk factors for bulimic symptoms? A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies

BackgroundCase histories, theoretical accounts, and empirical studies suggest an important relationship between perfectionism and bulimic symptoms. However, whether perfectionism confers vulnerability for bulimic symptoms is unclear. ObjectiveTo address this, we conducted a meta-analysis testing if socially prescribed perfectionism, concern over mistakes, doubts about actions, personal standards, self-oriented perfectionism and EDI-perfectionism predict increases in bulimic symptoms over time. MethodOur literature search yielded 12 longitudinal studies for inclusion. Samples were composed of adolescents, undergraduates, and community adults. ResultsMeta-analysis using random effects models showed perfectionistic concerns and EDI-perfectionism, but not perfectionistic strivings, had positive relationships with follow-up bulimic symptoms, after controlling for baseline bulimic symptoms. ConclusionResults lend credence to theoretical accounts implicating perfectionism in the development of bulimic symptoms. Our review of this literature also underscored the need for additional longitudinal studies that use multisource designs and that assess perfectionism as a multidimensional construct.

Perfectionism and Academic Performance in Italian College Students

This study analyzed the psychometric properties of the Italian translation of both the Short Almost Perfect Scale (SAPS) and the Short Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (SMPS), and the academic implications of perfectionism on 414 Italian college students aged between 18 and 58 years. Results revealed some limitations with the SAPS factor structure that, once addressed, yielded scores with good internal consistency and convergent validity. The SMPS had adequate psychometric properties. Higher perfectionistic strivings scores were associated with better academic performance and with higher rates of studying. This study provides support for the usefulness of both the SAPS and the SMPS in understanding relationships between different perfectionism dimensions and academic outcomes for Italian students.