Dimensions Of Perfectionism Research Articles

Dynamic changes in perfectionism dimensions and psychological distress among adolescents assessed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This prospective longitudinal study evaluated changes in psychological distress among adolescents, pre-pandemic to intra-pandemic, the extent to which within-person and between-person differences in trait multidimensional perfectionism were associated with such changes, and the role of stress in explaining associations between perfectionism and psychological distress. Adolescents (N=187; 80% female; 78% White, 7% Asian Canadian, 2% Indigenous Peoples in Canada, 2% Black or African Canadian, 2% Latin Canadian, or 9% Other; Mage =17.96 years) completed online surveys assessing perfectionism (i.e., self-oriented perfectionism and socially prescribed perfectionism), depression, anxiety, and stress pre-pandemic (i.e., March 12, 2020 or earlier) and during Ontario, Canada's first (i.e., March 13, 2020 to July 24, 2020) and second (December 26, 2020 to February 7, 2021) government-mandated lockdowns. Between-person differences and within-person changes in multidimensional trait perfectionism were associated with increases in psychological distress and perceived stress. Perceived stress served as an intermediary pathway linking multidimensional trait perfectionism to psychological distress during the pandemic.

Emotional Eating and Perfectionism as Predictors of Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder: The Role of Perfectionism as a Mediator between Emotional Eating and Body Mass Index.

(1) Background: Perfectionism has been linked to eating disorders and might be a risk factor for the appearance of eating pathologies. The aims of this study are (a) to verify the relationship between perfectionism, emotional eating (EE), binge eating (BE), and body mass index (BMI); (b) to identify the variables that predict BE symptoms and BMI; (c) to study the role of perfectionism as a mediator between EE and BMI. (2) Methods: 312 adult participants answered a cross-sectional survey that included the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, the Emotional Eater Questionnaire (EEQ), the Binge Eating Scale (BES), and a sociodemographic questionnaire including BMI. (3) Results: The results suggest a direct correlation between EE, BE, and BMI, showing that EE is a powerful predictor of BE symptoms and BMI. Furthermore, two dimensions of perfectionism have a mediator role between EE and BMI, specifically doubts and actions and concern over mistakes: the presence of these two components of perfectionism reverses the relationship between EE and BMI. (4) Conclusions: These results have significant implications for the understanding of the two different (pathological) eating patterns: intake restriction and overeating and should be considered in intervention programs.

Perfectionism: A network analysis of relationships between the Big Three Perfectionism dimensions and the Big Five Personality traits

This study investigated the relationship between the Big Three Perfectionism Scale–Short Form (BTPS-SF) (Rigid, Self-critical, and Narcissistic perfectionism) and the ten facets of the Big Five Questionnaire (BFQ) through network analysis. The BTPS-SF and the BFQ were administered to 473 Italian workers. Both centrality indexes (Expected Influence and Node Predictability) and bridge dimensions were calculated. Stability and accuracy were also checked to ensure the trustworthiness and reliability of the findings. The network analysis showed that BTPS-SF Rigid Perfectionism had the highest centrality and a bridge function, whereas BFQ Dominance had a bridge function. Findings suggested that BTPS-SF Rigid Perfectionism and BFQ Dominance are relevant in linking perfectionism and personality traits. Although further studies are needed, the network approach can provide a promising realm for understanding relationships between perfectionism and personality traits.

Perfectionism, academic stress and social anxiety in female medical students and the risk for eating disorders

Both perfectionism and social anxiety have been described in patients with eating disorders (ED) and medical students. Academic stress also can increase the risk of developing ED. To analyze the dimensions of perfectionism, social anxiety, and academic stress associated with the risk of developing ED in female medical students. The Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, the SISCO academic stress inventory and the Eating Attitudes Test-26, were applied to 163 female medical students from all levels of the career. The groups with and without risk of ED were compared according to these variables. Twenty-four percent of respondents were at risk of ED. There were significant differences between scores of perfectionism, social anxiety, and academic stress between respondents with and without risk for ED. In general, there was a significant correlation among the variables. In a multivariate analysis, the predictors of ED risk were the perception of academic stress (Odds ratio (OR) 1.09; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.03-1.16) and personal standards in the context of perfectionism (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.06-1.27). A substantial proportion of female medical students were at risk for ED. The risk of ED was determined mainly by academic stress and personal standards in the context of perfectionism. In this sample, social anxiety did not play a relevant role.

Child-oriented perfectionism and parental burnout: The moderating role of parents' emotional intelligence

Is it possible that striving for flawlessness and perfection in their children's performance is detrimental to parents? Could it be so harmful that it exposes parents to the risk of burnout? In order to answer these questions, this study adopted a three-dimension model of child-oriented perfectionism (encompassing three dimensions: high standards, order, and discrepancy) and examined the association of these dimensions with parental burnout. The participants were 325 Polish parents (78.8 % mothers) who lived in the same household with at least one child aged 3 to 19 years. The results showed that discrepancy—parents' perception that their children failed to meet their standards and expectations—was a crucial dimension of child-oriented perfectionism that put parents at risk of burnout; however, parents' emotional intelligence mitigated such harmful effects. The study contributes to knowledge about the antecedents of parental burnout and provides insight into possible interventions to counter the risk of striving as parents for perfect children.

Reliability and Validity of the Self-Rating Scale as a Measure of Self-Criticism.

The Self-Rating Scale (SRS; Hooley et al., 2010), a widely used measure of self-criticism in self-injury research, did not utilize conventional test development methods and has limited psychometric data. We examined the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent and discriminant validity of the SRS. Participants were 295 psychology undergraduate students. The SRS demonstrated good internal consistency (α = .93), adequate test-retest reliability (r = .76), and satisfactory convergent validity with other measures of self-criticism. Convergent validity was also adequate for expected dimensions of perfectionism (socially prescribed, self-oriented, concerns about mistakes, and doubts about actions), depressive symptoms, and negative and positive affect. The SRS demonstrated adequate discriminant validity with expected constructs of perfectionism (other-oriented, personal standards, and organizational perfectionism). Although the SRS appears to be a psychometrically sound measure of self-criticism, high correlations with depression and perfectionism raise questions regarding the overlap of these constructs.

Greater self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism in severe alcohol use disorder.

Perfectionistic individuals present exaggerated performance standards, generating a constant search for flawlessness and a high tendency to self-criticize. Dominant models distinguish three dimensions of perfectionism: namely, self-oriented, socially prescribed and other-oriented. Perfectionism constitutes a vulnerability factor for psychopathological disorders, but its role in severe alcohol use disorder (SAUD) remains unexplored. Sixty-five recently detoxified patients with SAUD and 65 matched controls completed a perfectionism questionnaire (the Hewitt Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale), together with measures of psychopathology. SAUD was associated with greater self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism, with no group differences on other-oriented perfectionism. This differential pattern persisted when controlling for depression and anxiety levels, and there was no correlation with alcohol consumption. This specific perfectionistic profile is consistent with those of previous studies showing lower self-evaluation (e.g., higher self-blame and reduced self-esteem) and impaired social cognition (e.g., unrealistic social standards and greater social isolation) in SAUD. In view of its potential role in the development and maintenance of SAUD, perfectionism may constitute a valuable treatment target in patients with this disorder.

The image of perfectionism in youth with diverse structure and intensity of anorexia readiness.

The aim of the research is to look for similarities and differences in the dimensions of perfectionism, perceived by the subjects with a diverse structure of anorexia readiness and isolated on the basis of cluster analysis. As part of the research project, the following research tools were used: the Food Attitude Questionnaire by Ziółkowska and the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS) by Frost et al. translated and developed by Tucholska. In the study of the results of empirical research, cluster analysis based on k-means enabled isolation of 3 clusters (adapted group, egocentric group and anorectic group). Isolated clusters differ in the intensity of features constituting anorexia readiness. Tukey's post hoc analysis showed that at the level of perfectionism dimensions there are no statistical differences between 2nd and 3rd clusters. At the full-dimension level, it showed that Clusters 2 and 3 achieve higher means than cluster 1 in all dimensions of perfectionism. Summarising the results presented in this work, it can be pointed out that: (1) three groups have been distinguished: adapted, egocentric and anorectic; (2) the anorectic group obtained the highest score in all dimensions; (3) the isolated groups do not differ from each other in the structure of perfectionism; (4) the profile of mean scores on the dimensions of perfectionism in all three isolated groups is very similar.

Comparıson of Athletes' Excellence Levels Accordıng to Socıo Demographıc Characterıstıcs

Background: Studies show that there is a relationship between sports and perfectionism. Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the perfectionism levels of national athletes according to various variables. Methods: As a data collection tool; ‘’Sports-Specific Multi-Dimensional Perfectionism Scale’’ were used. In the analysis of data in this research, SPSS 20 Package Programme were used. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test were also used in order to determine the distributions of data, and Anova,Homogeneity of Variance’’ test were used to determine homogenity of tests and it was determined that data showed a normal and homogeneous distribution. Descriptive statistics, Independent Sample t test and One Way variance analysis were applied in data analysis. Results: As a result of statistics, in extreme focus on failures sub-dimension, perceived family pressure subdimension and personal standarts sub-dimension male athletes were seen to have higher scores than female athletes. However at the end of comparison of scores related to athletes, there were no statistically significant differences were determined (p>0 ,05). As a result of comparison related to perfectionism dimensions according to marital status, in extreme focus on failures and family pressure sub-dimensions there were statistically significant differences (p<0,05). Conclusion: It has been determined that the level of perfectionism in athletes varies depending on gender. It is also known that sports affect the level of perfectionism positively. Keywords: Sports age, gender, number of nationals, perfectionism.

Perfectionism, Big Five and biopsychosocial functioning among parents of children with and without acquired brain injury (ABI)

ABSTRACT Background and objective Personality factors are often investigated in the context of parenting but are rarely studied in relation to coping with child disabilities like pediatric acquired brain injury (pABI). This study (1) compares Biopsychosocial functioning (BPSF), Big Five personality traits, and dimensions of perfectionism of parents of children with and without pABI, and (2) examines the role personality factors play in parental BPSF in each group. Method 57 parents of children who sustained a significant pABI and 50 parents of typically developing children participated in this cross-sectional study. Parents completed scales measuring Multidimensional Perfectionism, Big Five inventory, and BPSF. Results Among the pABI group, multivariate analysis indicated significantly poorer BPSF, higher levels of neuroticism, socially prescribed perfectionism, and lower levels of openness, than controls. Regression analysis showed that personality explained 60.5% of the variance in parental BPSF post pABI. In both samples, neuroticism and socially prescribed perfectionism appeared as two prominent personality factors with a significant negative effect on parental BPSF, while self-perfectionism appeared prominent only in the pABI group, indicating a significant positive effect. Implications pABI may result in changes to parents` personality. Personality characteristics significantly contribute to parental BPSF post-injury and should be addressed in clinical practice.

Low level of perfectionism as a possible risk factor for suicide in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

IntroductionPrevious research highlighted that adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are four times as vulnerable to suicidal behavior as the healthy population. Maladaptive perfectionism is also viewed as an important risk factor for suicide. Yet, there are no studies which focused on the relationship between perfectionism and suicide among adolescents with ADHD.ObjectivesThe objective of the present study was to explore if perfectionism may be a risk factor for suicidal behavior in adolescents with ADHD.MethodsThe clinical group was recruited from outpatient clinics, while the non-clinical group was recruited from high schools around Hungary. The clinical group’s inclusion criterion was ADHD diagnoses, while the non-clinical group required the absence of any current or past psychiatric treatment or diagnoses.ResultsIn the ADHD group 88 adolescents participated, and 96 adolescents participated in the non-clinical group. There was no difference regarding the level of perfectionism in the groups, except one dimension of perfectionism, which is ‘Organization’. The ADHD group had significantly higher level of suicidal behavior than the control group ((χ2 (1) = 11.222, p < .001, V = 0.25). Among the ADHD group adaptive perfectionism was significantly negatively correlated with suicidal behaviour.ConclusionsAdolescents with ADHD did not have a different level of perfectionism than the healthy control group only in ‘Organization’ trait. This result could add to the therapeutic work with adolescents diagnosed with ADHD with underlining the importance to focus on organizational skills. The result highlights that adaptive perfectionism appears to be a protective factor against suicidality.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Examination of the relationship between dimensions of perfectionism, harm avoidance and incompleteness in college students.

The present study aimed to examine the relationship between perfectionism, OCD symptom dimensions, harm avoidance, and incompleteness at varying levels (i.e., higher-order/subscale) in college students. College students (n = 548) completed measures of perfectionism, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, harm avoidance and incompleteness. The results revealed that all five higher-order dimensions of perfectionism were related to incompleteness but only three were related to harm avoidance. Parallel mediation revealed an indirect relationship between concern for mistakes and doubts about actions and checking and cleaning behaviors, respectively, through incompleteness. An indirect relationship between concern for mistakes and doubts about actions with ordering, respectively, through both incompleteness and harm avoidance was found. However, incompleteness played a stronger role than harm avoidance in this relationship. These results suggest that incompleteness might be a stronger motivator than harm avoidance for perfectionistic individuals. Therefore, interventions targeting incompleteness should be implemented to potentially circumvent the development or worsening of obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

Perfectionism, athlete burnout, and engagement: A five-month longitudinal test of the 2 × 2 model of perfectionism

Several studies have examined the associations between perfectionism, athlete burnout, and engagement. However, only one study investigated the interplay between personal standards and evaluative concerns perfectionism in predicting changes in athlete burnout over time. Whether the two dimensions of perfectionism interact to predict changes in sport engagement remains unknown. Thus, we used the framework of the 2 × 2 model of perfectionism to investigate these effects in a sample of 173 athletes (85 females, 88 males, aged 18 to 39, M = 27.47, SD = 6.11) in two waves, five months apart. Personal standards perfectionism predicted decreases in all symptoms of burnout, except devaluation, and an increase in only one subscale of engagement - dedication. Contrastingly, evaluative concerns perfectionism predicted increases in two symptoms of burnout - exhaustion and reduced sense of accomplishment and decreases in all subscales of engagement. The findings suggest that the paths to alleviating negative and magnifying positive experiences in sport may not be fully aligned, thus different interventions may be most effective depending on the specific aim and athletes' individual profile of perfectionism.

Do Dimensions of Perfectionism Predict Dimensions of Test Anxiety While Controlling for Depression?

The present study examined whether cultural differences in different dimensions of perfectionism exist and whether different dimensions of perfectionism (i.e., rigid and self-critical perfectionism) predicted different dimensions of test anxiety while controlling for depression in a sample of Canadian and Singapore higher education students. In addition, culture was examined to determine whether it served as a moderator variable in the relationship between different dimensions of perfectionism and different dimensions of test anxiety. The present study was grounded in DiBartolo and Rendón’s cross-cultural framework for conducting intra- and intercultural research in the area of perfectionism. The sample for the study included 1,095 undergraduate students. Perfectionism, test anxiety, and depression measures were administered to the students online. The results of mean and covariance analyses found the perfectionism measure was invariant across Canadian and Singapore students. In addition, the results of latent mean analyses found no significant differences on the different dimensions of perfectionism between Canadian and Singapore students. The results of analyses of variance also found no significant differences in different ethnic groups on the different dimensions of perfectionism in Canada and Singapore. Furthermore, the results of five hierarchical regression analyses found self-critical perfectionism explained unique variance in the five different test anxiety dimensions while controlling for depression, and culture did not serve as a moderator variable in the relationship between the different dimensions of perfectionism and test anxiety. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Investigating the moderating role of coping style on music performance anxiety and perfectionism

Classical musicians are under constant pressure to perform at near perfect levels, and are highly vulnerable to the negative effects of music performance anxiety. This study aimed to examine the mechanisms by which two types of perfectionism (personal standards and evaluative concerns) relate to music performance anxiety, and to explore the moderating roles of active and avoidant coping on the relationship between these perfectionism types and music performance anxiety. A sample of 118 classical performing musicians (35 males, 82 females, 1 other; Mage = 42.00, SD = 14.68) were recruited to participate in an anonymous online questionnaire assessing music performance anxiety, coping and perfectionism. Results indicated that the two dimensions of perfectionism were positively associated with music performance anxiety. Personal standards perfectionism was associated with active coping, and evaluative concerns perfectionism with avoidant coping. Active coping moderated the relationship between personal standards perfectionism and performance anxiety, but only at high and medium levels. Contrary to the prediction, avoidant coping did not moderate the relationship between evaluative concerns perfectionism and performance anxiety. These findings highlight key relationships between music performance anxiety and the interaction of personal standards perfectionism and active coping.

Perfectionism and performance-related psychobiosocial states: The mediating role of competition appraisals

ABSTRACT Using the multi-states (MuSt) theory as a framework, the present study focused on the individual (personality) antecedents of psychobiosocial states. Psychobiosocial states comprise emotional subjective experiences and their correlates (cognitive, motivational, volitional, bodily, motor-behavioural, operational, and communicative), that can be functional for performance (helpful) or dysfunctional (harmful). Specifically, we examined the relationships between two perfectionism dimensions (perfectionistic strivings and concerns) and functional and dysfunctional psychobiosocial states. The hypothesized mediational role of competitive appraisals was also tested. Participants (N = 271, 138 female, 133 male, M age = 22.74 ± 7.01) completed questionnaires assessing the targeted variables. Structural equation modelling revealed that perfectionistic strivings were positive predictors of functional states directly and via challenge appraisals. On the other hand, perfectionistic concerns were positive predictors of dysfunctional states directly and via threat appraisals. Results provide support to MuSt theory and extend the literature on the antecedents of athletes’ performance-related feeling states. Findings also provide support for the holistic conceptualization of psychobiosocial states encompassing the functionality dimension. The results highlight the importance of developing interventions aimed at helping athletes high in perfectionistic concerns evaluate situations as a challenge (and less of a threat) and increasing their perceived resources. Highlights Perfectionistic strivings positively related to functional psychobiosocial states Perfectionistic concerns positively related to dysfunctional psychobiosocial states Competitive challenge appraisals mediated the relationship between perfectionistic strivings and functional psychobiosocial states Competitive threat appraisals mediated the relationship between perfectionistic concerns and dysfunctional psychobiosocial states

Relationships Between Perfectionism, Stress, and Basic Need Support Provision in Dance Teachers and Aesthetic Sport Coaches.

A substantial body of evidence links perfectionism to well-being and performance outcomes in dancers and athletes. Yet, we know relatively little about leaders' perfectionism in dance and sport. This is important because leaders' perfectionism likely impacts both themselves and their performers. In this study, we examined relationships between leader perfectionism, their provision of basic needs support, and whether stress explains these relationships. Aesthetic activity leaders (N = 463; n = 336 dance teachers, n = 127 aesthetic sport coaches, and n = 376 female; Mean age = 35.47 and SD = 12.46 years) completed an online questionnaire measuring multidimensional perfectionism (self-oriented perfectionism, SOP; socially prescribed perfectionism, SPP; and other-oriented perfectionism, OOP), self-reported provision of basic needs support (autonomy, competence, and relatedness), and perceived stress. Correlations suggested that leaders displaying higher levels of any perfectionism dimension (SOP, SPP, and OOP) provided less support for autonomy and perceived higher levels of stress. Leaders displaying higher levels of SPP also reported providing less support for competence. Structural equation modeling revealed that perceived stress partially mediated the relationships between perfectionism and provision of basic needs support. Socially prescribed perfectionism shared a negative indirect relationship with autonomy support as well as negative direct and indirect relationships with competence support, both via perceived stress. By contrast, OOP shared positive indirect relationships with autonomy support and competence support via perceived stress. Based on these findings, it would be prudent for dance and sport organizations to minimize pressures on leaders to be perfect, help them identify how their perfectionism impacts both themselves and others, and work with them to optimize basic needs support.

Perfectionism paradox: Perfectionistic concerns (not perfectionistic strivings) affect the relationship between perceived risk and choice

AbstractWe investigate whether, when, and why perfectionism moderates the relationship between perceived risk and choice. Two studies (N = 1784) using different choice domains (appearance and performance) and different samples (women and general population) show consistent results. People with high (vs. low) perfectionistic concerns (PC) are less sensitive to high risks and, hence, are more willing to consider options (i.e., products and services) that entail greater risks. These effects emerge because high‐PC (vs. low‐PC) individuals have more favorable appraisals, believing that the product or service's benefits are worth its risks even when these risks are substantial. The effects observed for high‐ vs. low‐PC do not obtain for people who are high (vs. low) on a second dimension of perfectionism called perfectionistic strivings (PS). Our findings suggest that high‐PC individuals may be a vulnerable segment in society, particularly since (a) people are frequently confronted with decisions about options that promise perfectionistic outcomes, (b) these options can come with high levels of risk, and (c) perfectionistic tendencies have become more prevalent over time. We discuss the implications of these findings for policymakers and future research.

Healthy and Unhealthy Dimensions of Perfectionism: Perfectionism and Mental Health in Hungarian Adults

Perfectionism is a multidimensional personality trait that may covary with both negative and positive indices of mental health. Different components of perfectionism might be associated in different ways with positive and negative aspects of mental health. However, past studies tended to focus only on one covariate at a time. This study aimed to test the association between domains of perfectionism to both positive (self-esteem, wellbeing) and negative mental health indices (narcissism and psychological distress) while testing the structural validity of the Short Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale in a large non-English speaking community-based sample in Hungary. A total of 4,340 participants (49.3% male) took part in an online survey that included Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale, Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry Questionnaire, World Health Organization Wellbeing Index-5, and parts of Brief Symptoms Inventory-18. Using structural equation modelling analyses, we confirmed the three-dimensional model of perfectionism in our community sample. In the multivariate analyses, all perfectionism factors were related to narcissism. Furthermore, only socially prescribed perfectionism was associated with low self-esteem and lower wellbeing; however, both socially prescribed and self-oriented perfectionism were associated with higher psychological distress. Our findings supported the notion that different domains of perfectionism correlate to mental health indices differently, indicating that socially prescribed perfectionism may be the harmful component of perfectionism.

Physical Appearance Perfectionism: Psychometric Properties and Factor Structure of an Assessment Instrument in a Representative Sample of Males.

Perfectionism is a multidimensional construct with both positive and negative aspects. Recently, the concept of appearance-oriented perfectionism has been introduced, which is associated with body image dissatisfaction and weight and shape control behaviors. The Physical Appearance Perfectionism Scale (PAPS) is a 12-item two-factor instrument developed to assess this new dimension of perfectionism. The aim of the study is to validate the Spanish version of PAPS among a representative sample of 850 male university students in Spain (M = 20 years old; SD = 2.7). Exploratory and confirmatory factorial structure, internal consistency, convergent and concurrent validity, and associated predictor variables analyses have been carried out. Results showed that the Spanish version of the PAPS maintains the original factor structure with all items and proves to be a reliable instrument. Physical appearance-oriented perfectionism is associated with general perfectionism, higher body dissatisfaction, Eating Disorders and Muscle Dysmorphia symptomatology, and compulsive exercise, particularly in the Worry about Imperfection subscale. These variables also act as predictors of physical appearance perfectionism. The use of the PAPS-S and the analysis of its subscales is recommended in the context of body image-related pathologies such as Eating Disorders and Muscle Dysmorphia.