General Perfectionism Research Articles

Perfectionism in the anesthesiological environment

BackgroundPerfectionism today is understood as an individual's psychological conviction that the ideal can and should be achieved, and the imperfect result of work (physical, intellectual, etc.), in their opinion, has no right to exist.The purpose of the studyOur goal was to investigate levels and types of perfectionism among anesthesiology interns in comparison with the indicators of practicing anesthesiologists.Materials and methodsAn anonymous survey of 92 anesthesiology interns and 124 practicing anesthesiologists was conducted according to the Big-Three Perfectionism Scale (BTPS).ResultsThe mean general level of perfectionism was average, with the total BTPS score of 124,38 ± 14,47 out of 225 in interns and 105,97 ± 10,31 in practicing anesthesiologists (p < 0,05). Both interns and practicing doctors leaned toward rigid perfectionism (mean score 32,32 ± 3,32 out of 50 in interns and 33,33 ± 3,23—in practicing doctors, p < 0,05) and self-critical perfectionism, with the average score of 52,08 ± 4,37 out of 90 in interns and 42,87 ± 4,76 in postgraduates (p < 0,05). Narcissistic perfectionism is the factor with the least relative score in both groups (39,99 ± 7,61 out of 85 in interns and 29,77 ± 4,20 in practicing doctors, p < 0,05).ConclusionsNeither anesthesiology interns nor practicing anesthesiologists in general exhibited high levels of perfectionism. In both groups there was a moderate leaning towards rigid and self-critical perfectionism, which indicates a tendency for the individuals to set high standards for themselves and base their own self-worth on meeting these standards. In interns, the general perfectionism levels were significantly higher than in practicing doctors. Also the self-critical type was more prominent among interns. This might indicate a sense of pressure to meet unrealistic outside expectations and an impostor syndrome which is common for the people at the start of their careers, but it’s also a significant risk factor for future burnout.

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.

College Academic Perfectionism Scale: Development and Validation

Maladaptive perfectionism has a documented association with mental health problems, yet the context of maladaptive perfectionism (i.e., the domain where individuals exhibit such a trait) is rarely considered. This study aimed to develop a measure for academic perfectionism among college students and assess its psychometric properties. Five hundred and thirty-two college students were recruited from introductory-level psychology courses and completed questionnaires online. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses determined the factor structure and model fit of the scale, and bivariate correlation and multiple regression analyses assessed the validity of the scale. The results suggested that the College Academic Perfectionism Scale consists of two higher order factors, rigid academic perfectionism and self-critical academic perfectionism, and self-critical academic perfectionism consists of three sub-factors, academic self-criticism, doubts about actions, and socially prescribed academic perfectionism. The scale has an adequate confirmatory model fit, excellent reliability, and high construct validity. Incremental validity over general perfectionism was established.

Участие в фитнес-блогах как новая социальная практика и ее последствия для психического здоровья молодых женщин

Fitness blogging and fitness marathons are becoming a popular social practice, especially among young women. Although these practices are claimed to provide health benefits, in reality they pose serious risks to the participants’ mental wellbeing. The paper focuses on a study aimed at the analysis of the level and factors of mental distress in female fitness blog subscribers, and the dynamics of their emotional wellbeing in the course of fitness marathons. A total of 112 women aged 18 to 35 years old, with a mean age of 23.5 (SD=4.7), participated in the study. All the respondents were Instagram fitness blog subscribers. The following methods were used in the study: Physical perfectionism scale [8]; Situational Inventory of Body-Im- age Dysphoria [14]; Perceived sociocultural pressure scale [3]; Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale [9]; Beck’s Depression Inventory [17]; N.G. Garanyan and A.B. Kholmogorova’s Three-Factor Perfectionism Questionnaire [1]. Received data testify that young women who spent on Instagram over 60 minutes a day differed from those who spent maximum 30 minutes online by significantly higher levels of excessive body standards and body dissatisfaction, and a greater severity of emotional maladjustment symptoms, including suicidal tendencies. The regression analysis showed that physical and general perfectionism as well as social anxiety and depression symptoms had the most significant effect on an increase in body dissatisfaction levels. After completion of a fitness marathon, women had significant increases in body dissatisfaction and emotional problems. Further research is needed to identify targets that would help to prevent the emotional maladjustment which occur as a result of young women’s engagement in fitness blogging.

Perfectionism and academic burnout: Longitudinal extension of the bifactor model of perfectionism

Perfectionism is a personality disposition that is highly relevant in the education domain and related to various educational and psychological outcomes in students. As students experience challenges and stress in school, academic burnout is also a critical phenomenon. The current study investigated longitudinal effects of perfectionism on academic burnout, using a recently advanced bifactor model of perfectionism. With a sample of 336 secondary school students (7th–12th grades, 63% female) across three waves spanning a six-month period. Results of the confirmatory analysis and longitudinal invariance tests showed that the bifactor-(S·I – 1) model with the general perfectionism, defined by one item of concerns over mistakes as the reference item, and specific perfectionism factor better explained the multidimensional structure of perfectionism, relative to the two-factor model. Specific perfectionistic concerns remained unreliable after controlling for the general factor, while specific perfectionistic strivings remained as a more reliable factor. The cross-lagged analyses showed that the general perfectionism predicted longitudinal increases in emotional exhaustion and cynicism. On the contrary, specific perfectionistic strivings did not predict changes in students' burnout.

The shield of self-compassion: Abuffer against disordered eating risk from physical appearance perfectionism.

General perfectionistic tendencies as well as perfectionism focussed specifically on one's physical appearance have been implicated as risk factors for disordered eating. This study extends previous research on protective factors by investigating self-compassion as a moderator of the relationship between both general and physical-appearance-perfectionism and disordered eating. A cross-sectional online survey assessed general perfectionism, physical-appearance-perfectionism, disordered eating symptoms, self-compassion and negative affect in female UK university students (N = 421). Results showed physical-appearance-perfectionism explained variance (15%) in disordered eating symptoms above general perfectionism and negative affect. Both perfectionistic concerns about and strivings for appearance perfection were significant unique predictors of disordered eating. Self-compassion moderated the relationship between both perfectionistic concerns and strivings of physical-appearance-perfectionism, but not general perfectionism, and disordered eating. This study suggests both perfectionistic concerns about and strivings for appearance perfection represent potential risk factors for disordered eating among female university students and that self-compassion may reduce their impact.

The mediating effect of perfectionism between rumination and parenting style among undergraduates

Objective To explore the mediating effect of perfectionism between rumination and parenting style among undergraduates. Methods The investigation was carried out among 915 college students by random sampling method, using ruminative responses scale(RRS), short-form egma minnenav bardndosna uppforstran(S-EMBU) and college student general perfectionism scale. Results The scores of perfectionism, rumination and their division dimensions in undergraduates were (26.35±4.13), (17.14±4.86), (22.27±4.64), (11.10±2.71), (10.38±2.71)and(43.75±8.37), respectively. Rumination of undergraduates was positively correlated with father rejection, mother rejection(r=0.23, 0.29, P<0.01), father overprotection, mother overprotection(r=0.16, 0.20, P<0.01) and minding mistakes(r=0.36, P<0.01), while negatively correlated with father emotional warmth and mother emotional warmth(r=-0.07, -0.09, P<0.05). Minding mistakes had significantly positive correlations with father rejection, mother rejection(r=0.12, 0.19, P<0.01) and father overprotection, mother overprotection (r=0.16, 0.12, P<0.01). Minding mistakes had significantly negative correlations with father emotional warmth and mother emotional warmth(r=-0.18, -0.20, P<0.01). The structural equation model proved that minding mistakes mediated the relationship between mother and father rejection and rumination through mediating effect test (χ2/df=8.45, RMSEA=0.091, CFI=0.96, GFI=0.97). The mediating effect value was 0.112(95%CI=0.048~0.194), and mediating effect accounted for 28.95% . Conclusion The mediating effect of minding mistakes is remarkable in father and mother rejection and rumination, and reducing father rejection, mother rejection and perfectionism can reduce rumination among undergraduates. Key words: Rumination; Perfectionism; Suicidal risk; Parenting style; Undergraduates

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ВЛИЯНИЯ УРОВНЯ ПЕРФЕКЦИОНИЗМА НА ОТНОШЕНИЕ ЛЮДЕЙ К ПРОФИЛАКТИКЕ СТОМАТОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ЗАБОЛЕВАНИЙ

To examine the relationship between the oral health behavior and perfectionism. Methods. A total of 450 patients were enrolled in this study aged from 18 to 25. Behavioral, socio-economic and clinical data were collected through questioning and clinical examination. Perfectionism was assessed using N.G. Garanyan and A.B. Kholmogorova Perfectionism questionnaire. Results. Poor oral hygiene was observed in 62,5% patients. The frequency of tooth cleaning was correlating negatively with such components of perfectionism as "Perception of people as delegating high expectations" (PPD) (r = -0.36; p &lt;0.05); "Selecting information about personal failures" (SIF) (r = -0.33, p &lt;0.05). "Self- reported gingival condition" showed negative correlation with "General perfectionism index"(GLP), "Inflated claims and demands to oneself" (ICD) (r = -0.27, p &lt;0.05). There was positive correlation between hygiene index OHI-s and PPD (r = 0.44, p &lt;0.05), ICD (r = 0.41, p &lt;0.05), SIF (r = 0.47, p &lt;0.05), "Polarized thinking" (r = 0, 35, p &lt;0.05), GLP (r= 0,50; p&lt;0,05). Conclusion. Patients had low level of oral health knowledge. Patients who are striving for ideal, exemplary behavior, themselves, will lowly assess the health of the gums. Striving for their "inner ideal", direct all their strength and attention to work, study or any other activity, and pay less attention to health, less watch for the condition of the teeth, compared to patients who have low scores on perfectionism.

Positive and negative perfectionism of EFL and non-EFL major graduate students

Perfectionism as a multidimensional personality construct is not a deeply explored land since accumulated evidence has mainly focused on negative perfectionism while very few studies have investigated positive perfectionism worldwide and particularly in Iran. Overall, not only has no comparison been made between general perfectionism of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) majors vs. non-EFL majors but also no study has yet investigated the Iranian graduate students’ perfectionism. To fill these gaps, this study compared the positive and negative perfectionism of EFL and non-EFL major graduate students and investigated whether there is any possible relationship between the participants’ major and positive and negative perfectionism development. To these aims, 73 graduate students (26 History and Philosophy of Education and 47 Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) students) from two Iranian state universities completed the 40-item Positive and Negative Perfectionism Scale (PANPS) of Terry-short, Owens, Slade, &amp; Dewey (1995). The results of the independent samples t-test revealed that while both groups suffered from a slight degree of negative perfectionism, they equally benefited from high levels of positive perfectionism. These results may implicate strengthening the literature findings that positive perfectionism is corroborated during the Iranian early childhood bearing practices or the household child-parent interactions through the emphasis on the concepts of the best, flawlessness, orderliness, and positive striving. Moreover, they lend credence to the fact that the later-coming variables of academic major or EFL learning act have no considerable impact on the development of perfectionist attitudes.

Domain-specific perfectionism: An examination of perfectionism beyond the trait-level and its link to well-being

This study examined (1) whether perfectionism relates to stress, affect, and vitality similarly at the between-person and domain-specific levels; (2) how much personal standards and evaluative concerns perfectionism vary between domains and how this variability is related to well-being. Students (N = 580) selected four important domains and completed surveys on domain and general perfectionism and well-being. In multilevel analyses (with n = 2320 domains), perfectionism was related to well-being outcomes similarly at the trait and domain-level. There was more variability across domains in personal standards than in evaluative concerns perfectionism. Variability in personal standards perfectionism was positively related to depression. Overall, results suggest that examining perfectionism within multiple personally-relevant domains can better explain how perfectionism influences well-being. Further research needs to examine perfectionism with this multi-level approach.

The relationship between the instructors' perfectionism and social emotional loneliness levels

Instructors who strive to do their job in the best way can experience loneliness due to this perfectionist personality trait. That's why, in this research, it was aimed to reveal the relationship between the instructors' perfectionism and loneliness levels. 123 volunteer instructors who were selected by random sampling method participated in the research, which was designed in relational screening model. Descriptive and provable statistical techniques were used in the research. As a result of the research, it was found that general perfectionism of the instructors was relatively above average. The instructors' self-oriented perfectionism was at the highest level. The instructors' social emotional loneliness levels were relatively below average. The instructors' perfectionism and loneliness levels did not differ according to demographic variables. Positive, medium and high level relationships were found among the instructors' perfectionism. There was a negative, low level relationship between the instructors' perfectionism other than socially prescribed perfectionism and their social emotional loneliness. It was found that the instructors' other-oriented perfectionism levels significantly predicted their loneliness. The studies that can support the findings obtained can be conducted at different universities.

Difference Analysis Between Groups and the Generalizability of the Instrument for Measuring Science-Gifted and General Students Perfectionism

Difference Analysis Between Groups and the Generalizability of the Instrument for Measuring Science-Gifted and General Students Perfectionism

Moral perfectionism and moral values, virtues, and judgments: Further investigations

In a first psychological investigation of moral perfectionism, Yang, Stoeber, and Wang (2015) adapted items from the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale to differentiate perfectionistic personal moral standards and concern over moral mistakes. Examining a sample of Chinese students, Yang et al. found that personal moral standards showed unique positive relationships with moral values, virtues, and judgments, whereas concern over moral mistakes did not. The present study aimed to replicate Yang et al.'s findings in a sample of Western students (N=243), additionally including measures of moral identity and moral disengagement. Furthermore, the study examined whether moral perfectionism explained variance in moral attitudes beyond general perfectionism. Results largely replicated Yang et al.'s findings. Personal moral standards (but not concern over moral mistakes) showed unique positive relationships with moral values, virtues, and judgments and a unique negative relationship with moral disengagement. Furthermore, moral perfectionism explained significant variance in moral attitudes beyond general perfectionism. The present findings suggest that moral perfectionism is a personality characteristic that is relevant in both Asian and Western cultures and explains individual differences in moral attitudes beyond general perfectionism.

Physical appearance perfectionism explains variance in eating disorder symptoms above general perfectionism

Physical appearance perfectionism is a domain-specific form of perfectionism comprising two components: hope for perfection and worry about imperfection (Yang & Stoeber, 2012). Previous studies found that physical appearance perfectionism is related to eating disorder symptoms, particularly the worry about imperfection component, but did not address the question of whether physical appearance perfectionism explains variance in eating disorder symptoms above general perfectionism. The present study investigated the question examining 559 female university students. Physical appearance perfectionism explained an additional 9–17% of variance in eating disorder symptoms above the 11–20% variance explained by general perfectionism. The findings suggest that physical appearance perfectionism plays an important role in disordered eating beyond general perfectionism.

Perfecting Distributive Justice

Luck egalitarianism’s ascent has focused attention on the role that individual choice plays in distributive justice, for the theory invests fundamental moral significance in the distinction between choice and luck. But the theory’s supposed signal virtue has also been the target of withering criticism. Most prominently, Elizabeth Anderson has argued that the foundational role that the theory accords to the distinction between choice and luck is fatal to the theory. In what G. A. Cohen aptly calls her “broadside” against the theory, Anderson categorically – and I believe persuasively – rejects the role that luck egalitarianism accords to choice so conceived. While Anderson and those who have followed her lead make a convincing case that the luck egalitarian account of distributive justice fails, however, it would be a mistake to dismiss the importance of choice to distributive justice on the force of those criticisms. For what luck egalitarianism valorizes and Anderson denigrates is a particular – and particularly formal – conception of choice. Indeed, it is striking that although the formal fact or authenticity of people’s choices is the sine qua non of luck egalitarianism, the actual substance or content of people’s choices is strictly irrelevant according to the view. Anderson quite rightly criticizes luck egalitarianism’s crime of commission, consisting in making so much of whether a distributive outcome can be traced to individuals’ choices. But in my view, luck egalitarianism is no less guilty of a crime of omission, for it fails to give due regard for what choices are made. Anderson, interestingly, is equally guilty of this charge. It is my aim here to substantiate these claims and thus to argue that distributive justice must take seriously the substance or content of individuals’ choices: specifically, justice demands that the state should indemnify people against distributive disadvantages that individuals suffer in virtue of choosing to pursue worthwhile activities. My aim is to make the case for a novel conception of distributive justice, turning not on the authenticity of people’s choices but on the substantive content, and specifically the value, of their choices. This marks out my view as perfectionist. While general political perfectionism has been examined and defended in detail, its implications for distributive justice have been largely overlooked. The goal of this essay, then, is to correct that oversight by sketching a liberal perfectionist account of distributive justice.

Family of Origin Qualities as Predictors of Religious Dysfunctional Perfectionism

This study investigated the interrelationships between perceptions of religious dysfunctional perfectionism (RDP) and family of origin qualities in a sample of religiously active Australian first-year Psychology students at the University of Sydney. General functional and dysfunctional perfectionism was assessed using the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale and a specific measure of RDP was developed by means of an adaptation of some of Frost's items. The main findings supported the study's hypotheses: Zero-order correlations indicated that high RDP was significantly associated with high levels of family rigidity, enmeshment and disengagement. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that general functional perfectionism and general dysfunctional perfectionism explained 18% of the variance in RDP. After controlling for both aspects of general perfectionism, extreme family rigidity, enmeshment and disengagement explained a further 18% of the variance in RDP. The significant independent predictors of religious dysfunctional perfectionism were general dysfunctional perfectionism and family rigidity. Implications of these findings for cognitive behavioral treatment of religious dysfunctional perfectionism are discussed.

Personality and perfectionism in chronic fatigue syndrome: A closer look

Objective: To test the hypothesis that people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) would differ significantly from a healthy control group on measures of general personality and perfectionism, specifically on measures of neuroticism and unhealthy perfectionism. Method: A total of 27 female CFS outpatients and 30 female healthy controls completed questionnaires, including the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised, the Multi-dimensional Perfectionism Scale and measures of anxiety and depression. Results: The CFS group was significantly more fatigued, anxious and depressed than healthy controls. They scored significantly higher on neuroticism and unhealthy perfectionism. Healthy and unhealthy perfectionism were positively correlated in the CFS group, but not in the control group. Conclusion: The present study confirms the link between neuroticism and fatigue and finds a link between unhealthy perfectionism and fatigue. A ‘healthy trait’, such as healthy perfectionism, when coupled with evaluative concerns is not necessarily healthy in a fatigued population. Researchers and clinicians should note the context in which apparently benign traits are expressed, and how they interact with other traits.

Not just a pretty face: Physical attractiveness and perfectionism in the risk for eating disorders

Considerable research has examined the correlates and consequences of both objective and subjective ratings of physical attractiveness. Numerous studies have found, for example, that subjective physical attractiveness is inversely related to weight and diet concerns. Surprisingly, however, no research has examined the relationship between objective physical beauty and eating pathologies, despite clinical and theoretical reasons to expect a positive relationship between the two. We rated 203 young women on facial attractiveness and obtained self-report measures of perfectionism, neuroticism, and weight preoccupation. Attractiveness was positively related to weight preoccupation after controlling for body size and neurotic perfectionism. These findings provide the first evidence of physical beauty as a risk for disordered eating, and confirm earlier evidence that the relationship between general perfectionism and disordered eating only occurs when combined with a tendency to be anxious and hypercritical. Results are discussed in the context of identity formation and the attractiveness stereotype.