High Levels Of Perfectionism Research Articles

ЭМПАТИЯ И ЗАЩИТНЫЕ СТРАТЕГИИ В ОБЩЕНИИ ВРАЧЕЙ-ОРДИНАТОРОВ С РАЗНЫМ УРОВНЕМ ПЕРФЕКЦИОНИЗМА

The paper presents the results of a study of associations between empathy and defensivecoping communication in medical residents with different level of perfectionism. Psychiatry and neurology residents (n = 100) aged 22–29 filled out the following validated instruments: “Three-Factor Perfectionism Inventory” (Garanyan N. G., et al.); “The Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI)” (M. Davis); “Diagnosis of the dominant strategy of psychological defense in communication” (V. V. Boyko). The sample was divided into three groups with high (n = 37), medium (n = 33) and low (n = 30) levels of perfectionism. The obtained data indicate a positive correlation between empathy factor “Perspective taking” and strategy of defensive communication “Peacefulness” in all the three groups of residents with different levels of perfectionism. In residents with medium level of perfectionism “Peacefulness” also correlated with “Empathic concern”, and “Avoidance” correlated with “Personal distress”. In residents with high level of perfectionism “Aggression” negatively correlated with “Perspective taking” and “Empathic concern”. The collected data contribute to a more complete understanding of associations between empathy and defensive communication in psychiatry and neurology residents and can be applied to specify psychological targets of residents training.

Intentional Imperfection Program: A pilot randomised controlled trial to help university students manage perfectionism

Given that perfectionism has been associated with interpersonal, academic, and mental health difficulties in university students, helping them manage their perfectionism is crucial. This pilot trial examined the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of an online perfectionism program designed to target the mechanisms that link perfectionism to psychological distress. Seventy first-year psychology students from Macquarie University with high levels of perfectionism were recruited into this two-arm pilot trial and randomised to either the intervention (i.e., perfectionism program) or attention placebo control (i.e., lifestyle program) condition. We assessed indicators of feasibility and acceptability, as well as measures related to perfectionism, psychological distress, emotion regulation skills, interpersonal and academic functioning at baseline, one-month post treatment, and three-month follow-up (blinded outcome assessment). Our analyses revealed that, while participants expressed overall satisfaction with the program, there was low engagement with it (Mcompletion rate=36.23%), and retention in the study was low (response rates for post-treatment: 65.71% and follow-up: 48.57%). Bearing this in mind, our linear mixed model analyses revealed greater reductions in perfectionistic traits and cognitions, interpersonal hostility, and loneliness, as well as increases in self-compassion in the intervention group compared to the control group at post-treatment and/or follow-up. However, we did not observe statistically significant changes in other important treatment outcomes (e.g.,psychological distress). Given these findings, adjustments to improve engagement and retention should occur before proceeding with a larger, definitive trial. This trial was retrospectively registered on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (no. ACTRN12622000960752).

Exploration of the Mediating Role of Self-Compassion and Mindfulness on Orthorexia Nervosa and Perfectionism.

Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is characterized by an excessive preoccupation with healthy eating, accompanied by increasingly restrictive dietary practices over time. In light of the increased attention to ON, it is noteworthy that the existing body of research, specifically with regard to mindfulness and self-compassion remains constrained in scope and depth. A total of 151 participants over the age of 18 completed scales measuring Orthorexia, Self-Compassion, Mindfulness, and Perfectionism. The findings revealed that individuals exhibiting high levels of ON tended to have low levels of self-compassion and mindfulness, along with high levels of perfectionism. Furthermore, the results indicated that self-compassion and mindfulness acted as mediators in the relationship between perfectionism and orthorexia nervosa. These findings deepen our comprehension of orthorexia and underscore the role of self-compassion and mindfulness, or their absence, as mediating factors in this context. The implications of these results and potential future directions are discussed.

Moderating effect of self-esteem between perfectionism and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder among Lebanese adults

BackgroundAvoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a new diagnosis added to the DSM-5 characterized by pathological eating habits without body image disturbances. Previous findings demonstrated a general association between high levels of perfectionism and low levels of self-esteem in association with general eating disorders. However, research is scant when it comes to ARFID specifically. Subsequently, although self-esteem is seen to moderate the association between perfectionism and general eating disorders, this research study aims to explore the same moderation but with ARFID specifically.MethodsFor this study, 515 Lebanese adults from the general Lebanese population were recruited from all over Lebanon, 60.1% of which were females. The Arabic version of the Big Three Perfectionism Scale– Short Form (BTPS-SF) was used to measure self-critical, rigid and narcissistic perfectionism; the Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder screen (NIAS) was used to score the ARFID variable; the Arabic-Single Item Self-Esteem (A-SISE) was the scale used to measure self-esteem.ResultsAcross the different perfectionism types, self-esteem was seen to moderate the association between narcissistic perfectionism and ARFID (Beta = − 0.22; p =.006). At low (Beta = 0.77; p <.001), moderate (Beta = 0.56; p <.001) and high (Beta = 0.36; p =.001) levels of self-esteem, higher narcissistic perfectionism was significantly associated with higher ARFID scores.ConclusionThis study brought to light some crucial clinical implications that highlight the need for interventions that help in the enhancement of self-esteem in patients with high perfectionism and ARFID. This study suggests that clinicians and healthcare professionals should focus more on risk factors influencing the development and maintenance of ARFID-like symptoms.

The relationship between workaholism and perfectionism among trainee doctors

IntroductionIn the medical field, work addiction is a double-edged phenomenon. It can be regarded as a positive addiction leading to high motivation to work, but it can also have adverse mental, physical, and social consequences.ObjectivesTo assess the relationship between work addiction and perfectionism in trainee doctors.Methods We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study among trainee doctors. We used the “Work Addiction Risk Test” (WART), and “The Big Three perfectionism scale short form”.ResultsA total of 99 doctors were included. The mean age of participants was 27.6 years, with a sex ratio (M/F) of 0.33. The doctors in our study worked 5.39±1.6 hours a day and were on call 3.84±2.87 times a month. Their average number of hours of sleep was less than 7 hours in 43.4 % of participants. The mean score of the WART was 61.2±14.83. Among the trainee doctors surveyed 39% were considered at high risk of workaholism. The mean WART score was significantly higher among female physicians and those who slept less than 7 hours per day on average. In addition, the average score on the WART scale was significantly associated with the number of calls per month. We found a statistically significant association between perfectionism scores and work addiction scores.ConclusionsOur study showed that work addiction is common among doctors in training and is favored by high levels of perfectionism. It is therefore essential to explore and define preventive measures to help them find a balance allowing them to aim for high standards and be able to progress, without setting unrealistic expectations, which can lead to work addiction.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Associations between perfectionism and empathy in psychiatry and neurology residents

BACKGROUND: Empathy is considered a key element in doctor-patient relationship that may positively influence communication and outcomes. However, the correlation of empathy with perfectionism, which prevalence and rates among students are increasing, remains understudied.&#x0D; AIM: The aim is to study the associations between perfectionism and empathy in psychiatry and neurology residents.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: Psychiatry and neurology residents (n = 100) aged 22–29 filled out the following validated instruments: “Three-Factor Perfectionism Inventory” (N.G. Garanyan, et al.) and “The Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI)” (M. Davis). The sample was divided into three groups with high (n = 37), medium (n = 33) and low (n = 30) levels of perfectionism.&#x0D; RESULTS: Residents with high level of perfectionism have higher level of personal distress (p 0.01). In this group were also observed significant positive associations between general level of perfectionism and empathic concern (p 0.05); socially prescribed perfectionism and personal distress (p 0.05), fantasy (p 0.05), empathic concern (p 0.05); perfectionistic cognitive style and personal distress (p 0.01). In residents with medium level of perfectionism a positive correlation exists between self-oriented perfectionism and perspective taking (p 0.05). In residents with low level of perfectionism perspective taking negatively correlated with general level of perfectionism (p 0.01) and self-oriented perfectionism (p 0.05); a positive correlation exists between socially prescribed perfectionism and personal distress (p 0.01).&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: These findings allow to identify socially prescribed perfectionism and perfectionistic cognitive style, that associated with personal distress, as targets of psychological correction.

Perfectionism as a moderator of the relationship between orthorexia nervosa and obsessive–compulsive symptoms

PurposeOrthorexia nervosa (ON), a proposed disorder describing an obsessive focus on “healthy” eating, is characterised as having overlapping symptoms with obsessive–compulsive disorder. However, ON/obsessive–compulsive (OC) symptom relationships are inconsistently reported. The current study aimed to investigate if the contribution of OC symptoms and beliefs explain variability in ON symptoms and determine if perfectionism, a transdiagnostic factor, moderates the ON/OC symptom relationship.MethodsThe study comprised 190 participants (Mage = 28.63, SDage = 9.88; 80% female) recruited via an undergraduate research programme, social media, advocacy organisations, and a participant registry. Participants completed an online questionnaire assessing ON, OC, and perfectionism symptoms.ResultsA linear regression analysis found OC symptoms and beliefs explained 22.9% variability in ON symptoms (p < 0.001, f2 = 0.38) and perfectionism moderated the ON/OC symptom relationship, where higher levels of perfectionism with higher levels of OC symptoms was associated with higher levels of ON symptoms, explaining 2.2% variability (p = .01, f2 = 0.03).ConclusionOC symptoms appear more common in ON than previous studies indicate. However, the interaction between perfectionism and OC symptoms may drive obsessions in ON. Findings help refine our current understanding of ON phenomenology with implications for ON treatment development. Future research should further explore perfectionism in ON phenomenology.Level of evidence: Level V (Opinions of respected authorities, based on descriptive studies, narrative reviews, clinical experience, or reports of expert committees).

Perfect people, happier lives? When the quest for perfection compromises happiness: the roles played by substance use and internet addiction.

Building on the Conservation of Resources Theory and the Stress-Coping Model, the present study explored the relationship between perfectionism (rigid, self-critical, narcissistic) and subjective happiness among youth. In this relationship, we also examined the mediating roles of substance use (i.e., drinking and smoking) and Internet addiction symptoms. Our sample comprised 431 Romanian university students aged 18-25 (M = 20.50, SD = 1.58), and most of them were females (79.81%, self-reported gender). Participants completed self-reported anonymous scales through a web-based survey at the beginning of 2023. Correlation analysis results indicated that all forms of perfectionism were associated with Internet addiction symptoms. Self-critical and narcissistic perfectionism and drinking, smoking, and Internet addiction symptoms were negatively associated with subjective happiness. Path analysis suggested that health-risk behaviors completely mediated the effect of perfectionism on subjective happiness. High levels of perfectionism were associated with high levels of health-risk behaviors, and high levels of addictive behaviors were associated with low levels of subjective happiness. We discuss the present findings considering their practical use regarding students' subjective happiness.

The role of self-compassion in mediating the effect of perfectionism on personal growth initiative in dental hygienists.

This study explored perfectionism, self-compassion and personal growth initiative in clinical dental hygienists. Cross-sectional survey research was conducted with a non-probability sample of clinical dental hygienists (n = 877). The survey had 55 items and consisted of three validated instruments: Frost's Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale-Brief (including evaluative concerns and perfectionistic striving subscales), Neff's Self-Compassion Scale and Robitschek's Personal Growth Initiative Scale. Descriptive, correlation, t-test, ANOVA and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationships among variables. Mediation analysis was conducted to determine the presence of a mediated moderation effect of self-compassion on perfectionism and personal growth initiative. The completion rate for the survey was 89% (n = 788). Evaluative concerns (M = 11.83) and perfectionistic strivings (M = 15.44) among dental hygienists were high, levels of self-compassion (SC) were moderate (M = 2.87) and levels of personal growth initiative (PGI) were low (M = 38.07) compared to others not in the dental field. The mediation analysis found that SC mediates the relationship between perfectionistic evaluative concerns and PGI. It was also determined that SC mediates the relationship between perfectionistic strivings and PGI. Dental hygienists have high levels of perfectionism and may lack necessary levels of self-compassion to counteract those perfectionistic tendencies resulting in a decrease in taking the initiative to engage in opportunities for growth. This suggests the importance of dental hygienists developing a more adaptive perfectionism to balance self-criticism along with not having unrealistic expectations for perfection while engaging in self-compassion that includes self-kindness and mindfulness to support their continued growth.

Perfectionism in OT, SLP, and PT Students on Psychosocial Outcomes: A Pilot Study

This study determined rates of perfectionism among graduate rehabilitation students and compared rates of depression and anxiety between perfectionists and non-perfectionists. Fifty-four students completed an emailed survey, Almost-Perfect Scale-Revised, the Clinically Useful Depression Outcome Scale, and the Clinically Useful Anxiety Outcome Scale. High levels of perfectionism, anxiety, and depression were found. No significant differences in psychosocial outcomes for perfectionism were identified. Trends emerged: (1) higher numbers of moderate to severe anxiety and depression among perfectionistic students, and (2) higher numbers of moderate to severe anxiety among maladaptive perfectionistic students. Programming and resources are needed to promote mental health in OT students.

The mediating role of self-compassion and repetitive negative thinking in the relationship between perfectionism and burnout in health-field students: A prospective study

Burnout negatively affects around 40 % of medical and dentistry students, a group with high levels of perfectionism, repetitive negative thinking (RNT) and low self-compassion. So far, literature has highlighted the beneficial effects of mindfulness and self-compassion-based interventions on reducing psychological distress; nevertheless, the relationship between perfectionism, self-compassion, RNT and burnout has not yet been studied in this population with a prospective study design. The aim of this prospective study was to analyse the role of perfectionism, self-compassion and RNT on burnout levels in medical and dentistry students after approximately one year and a half. 202 medical and dentistry students answered in T0 and T1 (after 18 months) to a self-report questionnaire that included measures to assess perfectionism, RNT, self-compassion, and burnout. Perfectionism, RNT and self-compassion correlated significantly with each other, and all correlated with Burnout. In mediation analyses, total perfectionism at T0 predicted burnout at T1, both directly and indirectly, through the mediating effect of self-compassion and RNT at T0. This study reinforces recent findings that self-compassion is a mediator of the relationship between perfectionism and burnout and adds that RNT also plays an important role in this predictive pathway.

Lesser degree of HR and HF-HRV recovery from an evaluative stressor is associated with higher levels of perfectionism and self-compassion

Lesser degree of HR and HF-HRV recovery from an evaluative stressor is associated with higher levels of perfectionism and self-compassion

Academic Perfectionism, Psychological Well-Being, and Suicidal Ideation in College Students.

High levels of perfectionism in college students can compromise their academic performance and psychological well-being. This study aims to analyze the implication of perfectionism in psychological well-being and suicidal ideation in the last year. A total of 1.287 students from different degrees reported their academic performance in the previous academic year and completed questionnaires on academic perfectionism, psychological well-being, and suicidal thoughts in the last year. In both men and women, academic perfectionism correlates positively with academic performance and negatively with the different dimensions of psychological well-being. Likewise, both the average grade in the previous year (β = 0.364) and the level of demand of the degree (β = -0.461) are mediating variables between perfectionism and psychological well-being. Furthermore, the interaction between perfectionism and academic performance is related positively to psychological well-being, but not to with suicidal ideation. So, the relation between suicidal ideation and perfectionism is positive (OR = 1.075), but this is negative with academic performance (OR = 0.900), although both variables show a mild predictive capacity. These findings suggest that the levels of perfectionism are associated differently with the mental health of students, since if perfectionism is effective (high academic performance), psychological well-being is high, although in our results, this interaction is not as important for suicidal thoughts.

Relationship Between Employees’ Perfectionism and Workaholism: The Role of Dedication-to-Work Promoting Organization

The aim of the present study was to investigate the moderating role of perceived dedication-to-work promoting organization for the relationship between employees’ perfectionism and workaholism. A total of 964 employees (514 females and 450 males) working in different Lithuanian organizations participated in the cross-sectional study. Data were collected by means of online self-administered questionnaires. Workaholism was measured using DUWAS-10 proposed by Schaufeli et al. (2009). To measure perfectionism, a short version of the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS; Hewitt and Flett, 1991) was used. A questionnaire proposed by Allen (2001) was used to assess the perceptions of whether an organization encourages employees to focus solely on work or whether it supports their family responsibilities as well. It was hypothesized that the positive relationship between perfectionism and workaholism was stronger for employees working in dedication-to-work promoting organizations. The assumption was confirmed. It was obtained that the risk of workaholism was higher for employees having high levels of perfectionism and perceiving organization as promoting dedication to work.

Valence, Instrumentality, Expectancy, and Ability as Determinants of Faking, and the Effects of Faking on Criterion-Related Validity

We investigated individual differences in faking in simulated high-stakes personality assessments through the lens of expectancy (VIE) theory, using a novel experimental paradigm. Three hundred ninety-eight participants (MTurk) completed a “low-stakes” HEXACO personality assessment for research purposes. Three months later, we invited all 398 participants to compete for an opportunity to complete a genuine, well-paid, one-off MTurk job, and 201 accepted. After viewing the selection criteria, which described high levels of perfectionism as critical for selection, these participants completed the HEXACO personality assessment as part of their applications (“high-stakes”). All 201 participants were then informed their applications were successful and were invited to complete the performance task, with 189 accepting the offer. The task, which involved checking text data for inconsistencies, captured two objective performance criteria. We observed faking on measures of diligence and perfectionism. We found that perceived job desirability (valence) was the strongest (positive) determinant of individual differences in faking, along with perceived instrumentality and expectancy. Honesty-humility was also associated with faking however, unexpectedly, the association was positive. When all predictors were combined, only perceived job desirability remained a significant motivational determinant of faking, with cognitive ability also being a positive predictor. We found no evidence that cognitive ability moderated the relations of motivation and faking. To investigate the role of faking on predictive validity, we split the sample into those who had faked to a statistically large extent, and those who had not. We found that the validity of high-stakes assessments was higher amongst the group that had faked.

Is perfectionism always unhealthy? Examining the moderating effects of psychological flexibility and self-compassion.

Perfectionism is generally associated with worse mental health outcomes, though evidence suggests elements of it may be helpful. In light of these findings, we examined whether psychological skills like psychological flexibility and self-compassion moderated the relationship between perfectionism and wellbeing (i.e., quality of life, symptom impairment, and psychological distress). Undergraduate students (N = 677) completed self-report measures. A latent profile analysis identified three perfectionism groups (low, average, and high) based on four perfectionism subscales: concern over mistakes, need for approval, rumination, and striving for excellence. Generally, we found that psychological flexibility and/or self-compassion buffered the impact of average and high perfectionism on quality of life and symptom impairment. Our results support the utility of practicing psychological flexibility and/or self-compassion for people with average and high levels of perfectionism. Limitations include using a cross-sectional design and nonclinical sample.

The influence of religious orientation on maladaptive perfectionism among perfectionist college students

Several studies have found that religion linked to perfectionism can harm mental health. Conversely, most research found that religion resulted in positive effects on mental health. Therefore, the current study was conducted to better understand this phenomenon by examining religious orientation's influence on maladaptive perfectionism among 82 college students with high levels of perfectionism as indicated by the designated instrument. The data was subject to parametric statistical analysis using Pearson Product-Moment correlation and multiple linear regression. The results showed that intrinsic religious orientation negatively influences maladaptive perfectionism, while extrinsic religious orientation positively influences maladaptive perfectionism. The study highlights the importance for college students to develop an intrinsic religious orientation to achieve an adaptive perfectionism.

Perfectly Tired: Perfectionism and Sleep in Adolescents With Chronic Pain.

Conceptual links between perfectionism and chronic pain have been proposed yet minimal empirical data exists. Poor sleep is associated with high levels of perfectionism and is common among youth with chronic pain. This study explores associations between perfectionism and sleep quality in adolescents with chronic pain while considering levels of functional disability. Adolescents (ages 12-18) with chronic pain (N = 423) completed baseline measures of self-oriented perfectionism (SOP), socially prescribed perfectionism (SPP), sleep quality, and functional disability as part of routine clinical care at an outpatient chronic pain clinic and a pain rehabilitation day treatment program. Multivariate multiple regression assessed associations between perfectionism (SOP and SPP) and sleep (falling asleep/reinitiating sleep, returning to wakefulness, and going to bed). Two moderation models explored how relations between perfectionism (SOP and SPP) and sleep quality (total score) varied depending on level of functional disability. All analyses controlled for clinic setting. Results indicated SPP was associated with more difficulties across all sleep subdomains in adolescents with chronic pain, while SOP was unrelated to sleep quality. Associations between perfectionism and sleep quality were dependent on functional disability; perfectionism was most strongly associated with worse sleep quality for adolescents with less functional disability. This study highlights the relationship between perfectionism and sleep quality in adolescents with chronic pain and suggests that perfectionistic youth with less disability are at the greatest risk for sleep problems. Longitudinal research is needed to understand how perfectionism, sleep, and disability interact over time in youth with chronic pain.

Is Perfectionism Always Dysfunctional? Looking into Its Interaction with Activity Patterns in Women with Fibromyalgia.

The intrinsically adaptive or maladaptive nature of certain activity patterns in fibromyalgia (FM) has been put into question. The role of contextual factors related to their influence on functional limitation is required. Perfectionism complicates the ability to cope of these patients. The aim of the study has been to analyze the moderating role of perfectionism between activity patterns and functional limitation. The sample were 228 women with FM. Moderation analyses were conducted with the PROCESS Macro. Activity avoidance and excessive persistence were associated with poorer functionality, regardless of perfectionism. Pain avoidance and task persistence were more strongly associated with FM impact in women with high or moderate levels of perfectionism. In a clinical setting adapting the recommendations given to patients according to their level of perfectionism would be justified. Pain avoidance might be inadvisable at high levels of perfectionism, and task persistence is recommendable especially when perfectionism is high.

Perfectionism and Pain Intensity in Women with Fibromyalgia: Its Influence on Activity Avoidance from The Contextual Perspective.

Given the scarcity of studies regarding perfectionism from a contextual perspective, this study aims to analyze its role in the relationship between pain and activity avoidance and its differential effect among patients with different fibromyalgia severity. A cross-sectional study with 228 women with fibromyalgia classified into two disease severity groups (low/moderate vs. high) was carried out. Moderation analyses were conducted; perfectionism was used as moderator, pain (in high and low pain situations) as independent variable, and activity avoidance as the outcome. Among the high disease severity group, analyses showed direct contributions of perfectionism (p < 0.001) but not of pain (p > 0.05); moderation effects were found in high pain situations (p = 0.002) (for low levels of perfectionism, a positive association was found between pain intensity and avoidance). Among the low severity group, direct effects of perfectionism (p < 0.05) and pain intensity (p = 0.04) were found (although the latter only for high pain situations); moderation effects were found in high pain situations (p = 0.018) (for high levels of perfectionism a positive and significant association was found between pain intensity and avoidance). Perfectionism has been found to be a key variable in the differential relationship between pain intensity (in high pain situations) and activity avoidance in groups with high and low disease severity.