Self-evaluative Perfectionism Research Articles

Psychological predictors of insomnia, anxiety and depression in university students: potential prevention targets.

Perfectionism, low self-esteem and external locus of control are psychological constructs linked to insomnia, anxiety and depression. Examining how these constructs impact mental health and serve as risk factors for the development of clinically significant symptoms may help direct psychological support resources and preventative measures for university students. To longitudinally examine associations between the aforementioned psychological constructs and symptoms of insomnia, anxiety and depression in a large representative sample of first-year university students. Electronic surveys including validated measures of the predictors and outcomes were emailed to all first-year undergraduate students at entry to a major Canadian university, and followed up on at conclusion of the academic year. Compared with healthy sleepers, students screening positive for insomnia had lower self-esteem, higher self-evaluative perfectionism and increased external locus of control (all P < 0.001). Self-evaluative perfectionism (standardised β = 0.13, P < 0.01), self-esteem (β = -0.30, P < 0.001) and external locus of control (β = 0.07, P = 0.02) measured at entry were significantly associated with insomnia symptoms at follow-up. Insomnia symptoms at entry were strong predictors of symptoms of depression (β = 0.15, P < 0.001) and anxiety (β = 0.16, P < 0.001) at follow-up, even after controlling for baseline symptoms of those disorders. Perfectionism, low self-esteem and external locus of control may predispose the development of insomnia symptoms in university students. In turn, insomnia symptoms appear to be robust predictors for depressive and anxiety symptoms. Sleep may be an important prevention target in university students.

Does Perfectionism Lead to Well-Being? The Role of Flow and Personality Traits.

Perfectionism is a personality trait that plays an important role in understanding human behavior and functioning. There has been a focus on the negative aspects and outcomes of perfectionism, and less is known about whether and how perfectionism relates to adaptive characteristics of personality and normal functioning. We investigated associations between different aspects of perfectionism and psychological well-being in two studies by determining the role of dispositional flow and personality traits in this relationship. In Study 1, participants completed questionnaires for perfectionism, psychological well-being and flow. In Study 2, personality traits from the HEXACO model of personality were additionally measured. We found that psychological well-being had a positive correlation with conscientious perfectionism and a negative correlation with self-evaluative perfectionism. Flow mediates the relationship between conscientious perfectionism and psychological well-being. There was no correlation between self-evaluative perfectionism and dispositional flow. After controlling for relevant personality traits, dispositional flow remains the mediator between conscientious perfectionism and psychological well-being, but the relation becomes negative. Implications for the understanding of how different components of perfectionism are related to psychological well-being and how flow experience contributes to this relationship are discussed.

Not all Perfectionists Are as They Are Assessed: An Investigation of the Psychometric Properties of the Perfectionism Inventory in the Teaching Profession.

Perfectionism has been studied for almost 30 years. In the present study, we investigated the internal validity of The Perfectionism Inventory (PI—Hill et al., 2004) in an occupation that encourages perfectionistic tendencies in own behavior or in students' behavior. We collected data from a large sample of schoolteachers (N = 633, 81.18% female, 63.02% from urban areas, 46.66% from secondary schools, mean age = 42.11 years) recruited using a snowball sampling approach, and we analyzed the factor structure of the PI using confirmatory factor analyses. We found that the 8-factor structure of PI provided a reasonable fit root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA = 0.055, 90% CI = (0.053–0.057); SRMR = 0.071]. However, additional analyses revealed problematic divergent validity only in the case of the scales associated with self-evaluative perfectionism, not in the case of the scales associated with conscientious perfectionism. We found that teachers displayed distinguishably different forms of perfectionism only when it referred to own person, not when it referred to perfectionism imposed to others. Based on these findings, we suggested that the PI could provide a useful framework for investigating the role of conscientious-related forms of perfectionism in the development of teacher beliefs regarding their school behavior.

Perfectionistic Concerns are Detrimental to Skill Learning for Minimally Invasive Surgery

The pursuit of high standards and continuous self-improvement are important aspects of a professional attitude in medicine. However, when identity and self-esteem are dependent on flawless performance, healthy striving can become perfectionism. The present study examines the influence of perfectionism on the learning process of basic instrument handling for minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Thirty medical students volunteered to participate in the study (19 females, 11 males). The mean age was 19.8 years (SD = 1.8). The Perfectionism Inventory was used to determine the degree of perfectionist characteristics in two main factors: Self-evaluative perfectionism and Conscientious perfectionism. Participants practiced with the loops and wire task on a surgical simulator and were tested for skill retention within 48 hours. During practice instrument movement was captured in three-dimensional space using a Leap Motion controller. Performance was assessed by time and total path length travelled by the instruments. Self-evaluative perfectionism was negatively related to skill retention with regard to movement efficiency, but did not predict change in average time on task. The Conscientious perfectionism factor was not a predictor of skill retention with regard to path length or completion time. Self-evaluative perfectionism was a significant predictor of change in average pathlength between sessions but did not predict change in average time. The Conscientious perfectionism factor was not a predictor of changes in path length or completion time. Overly negative self-evaluation during MIS skill practice undermined the learning process. Trainees with self-critical perfectionistic tendencies may not optimally benefit from their efforts during practice.

Self-Compassion as a Mediator Between Perfectionism and Personal Growth Initiative

Personal growth and positive change are areas of great interest in psychology. This study examined the mediating influence of self-compassion on the relationship between two types of perfectionism and personal growth initiative in a sample of Filipino adults (N = 351). Findings suggest that those high in conscientious perfectionism, considered as adaptive perfectionism, are more likely to have self-compassion; and through high levels of self-compassion, are more likely to develop personal growth initiative. On the other hand, those high in self-evaluative perfectionism, considered maladaptive, are far less likely to have self-compassion; and through lower levels of self-compassion, are less likely to develop personal growth initiative. Implications for theory and practice, as well as suggestions for further research, are discussed.

PERSONALITY TRAITS AS PREDICTORS OF PERFECTIONISM

The aim of this study was to explore the role of personality traits as predictors of perfectionism and to determine the existence of gender differences in the ways perfectionism is manifested. The study was conducted on 302 respondents aged 18 to 57. The Perfectionism Inventory scale (PI) used to measure perfectionism assesses lower-order perfectionism facets: Concern Over Mistakes, High Standards for Others, Need for Approval, Organization, Perceived Parental Pressure, Planfulness, Rumination, and Striving for Excellence; and three higher-order facets: Conscientious Perfectionism, Self-Evaluative Perfectionism and Perfectionism Inventory Composite. The Big Five Inventory (BFI), based on the Big Five model of personality, was used for the evaluation of personality traits: Extraversion, Neuroticism, Conscientiousness, Agreeableness and Openness to experience. In determining gender differences, the t-test was used. Men scored higher than women on Organization, Planfulness, and Conscientious Perfectionism, whereas women scored higher than men on Perceived Parental Pressure. Three multiple regression analyses were conducted, one for each of the tested criterion variables, to test the significance of predictors of perfectionism. Predictor variables were the five dimensions of personality traits, and the criterion variables were the dimensions of higher-order perfectionism. All three tested models have statistical significance, and the sum of the predictors, made up of basic personality traits, accounts for one-fifth to one-third of the variance in the criterion measures of perfectionism. Almost all personality traits are shown to be significant predictors of perfectionism, with the exception of Conscientiousness, which is not a predictor of Self-Evaluative Perfectionism. Based on the results, it can be concluded that perfectionists generally keep to themselves, are less tolerant towards others, often worry, are sensitive to their own actions as well as those of others, but also open to new experiences. The obtained results contribute to a better understanding of the social adaptation and functioning of young adults, including young athletes.

Behavioral Activation and Behavioral Inhibition Predict Perfectionism

This investigation assessed of the ability of Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST), comprising the Behavioral Activation System (BAS), and Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) to predict perfectionism. A total of 508 community participants were acquired using MTurk and completed measures of personal standards and self-evaluative perfectionism, as well as BIS and BAS. Regression analyses revealed that BAS sensitivity successfully predicted personal standards perfectionism (and to a lesser extent self-evaluative perfectionism), while BIS sensitivity successfully predicted self-evaluative perfectionism (and to a lesser extent personal standards perfectionism). BAS and BIS were robust predictors in their respective regression models, suggesting that these important perfectionism factors are successfully and jointly predicted by the BAS/BIS pre-dispositional motivation constructs.

EXAMINING ADULT’S IDENTITY STATUSES: ADAPTIVE VS. MALADAPTIVE DIMENSION

To achieve the status of ego identity remains the most important challenge for the adolescence period and consequently is a challenge for developmental psychologists too. The vast majority of studies focus on understanding the dynamics of ego identity development, however, factors that cause different path of development remained unclear. This study aims at tracking the paths, which differentiate ego statuses from finding psychosocial factors contributing to ego identity achievement. For this purpose the relationships between four identity statuses - achievement, exploration, moratorium and foreclosure and number of psychosocial variables such as attachment style, self-esteem and perfectionism have been examined. 386 school teenagers aged 14-17 (M = 15.48) filled a set of questionnaires comprised of four instruments: The Ego Identity Process Questionnaire (EIPQ), The Measure of Attachment Qualities (MAQ), The Perfectionism Inventory (PI) and Adult Sources of Self-Esteem Inventory (ASSEI). Discriminant analysis revealed two basic dimensions (adaptive and maladaptive), which are capable to depict the difference between ego identity statuses. The first discriminant function of ego identity status is primarily defined by conscientious perfectionism and secured attachment; whereas, the second discriminant function consists of avoidance attachment, self-evaluative perfectionism and ambivalent attachment styles. Key words: adolescence period, ego identity status, ego identity development, psychosocial factors.

The Relation between Perfectionism and Impostor Phenomenon

Considering the lack of research regarding the association between perfectionism described by Hill et al. (2004) and impostor phenomenon, in this study I aimed to investigate the way these two variables relate one to another, on a sample of 129 Romanian students (Mage = 21.79, SD = 1.28). The instruments that I used were Perfectionism Inventory (Hill et al., 2004) and Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale elaborated in 1985. The obtained correlations were statistically significant for self-evaluative perfectionism and not significant for conscientious perfectionism. The multiple regression analysis showed that the impostor phenomenon was best predicted by the need for approval, organization and rumination dimensions of perfectionism. The obtained results, as well as their utility were thoroughly analyzed.

The Relationship between Passion and the Psychological Well-Being of Professional Dancers

The Dualistic Model of Passion defines passion as an intense desire or enthusiasm for a self-defining activity that people love, consider important, and devote significant amounts of time and energy to. The model proposes two distinct types of passion, harmonious (HP) and obsessive (OP). HP occurs when the activity is autonomously internalized into the individual's life and identity, while OP is a result of a controlled internalization of the activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and type of passion professional dancers have for dance in relation to their psychological well-being, specifically eating attitudes, self-esteem, and perfectionism. Participants were 92 professional dancers, aged 19 to 35 years (M = 27.03, SD = 3.84), and mostly from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Results revealed that HP positively predicted self-esteem (SE), while OP positively predicted self-evaluative perfectionism (SEP), conscientious perfectionism (CP), and disordered eating attitudes (EAT-26). Additionally, SEP was found to mediate the relationship between OP and EAT-26, suggesting that OP may lead to SEP, which could in turn motivate disordered eating. Overall, the results of this study have supported and extended previous research suggesting that the two types of passion can have divergent effects on aspects of psychological well-being. Findings indicate that HP should be encouraged and OP discouraged among dancers, for example, via autonomy supportive behaviors of teachers.

Perfectionism and Eating Psychopathology Among Dancers: The Role of High Standards and Self‐criticism

This study examined the associations between conscientious perfectionism (high standards), self-evaluative perfectionism (self-criticism) and eating psychopathology among dancers. A sample of 244 female dancers, with a mean age of 20.11 years (standard deviation=1.97) completed the Perfectionism Inventory and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. Self-evaluative perfectionism predicted eating psychopathology (eating restraint, eating concern, weight concern and shape concern). This relationship was not moderated by conscientious perfectionism. The mediation analyses showed that although conscientious perfectionism predicted eating psychopathology, this relationship was fully mediated by self-evaluative perfectionism. These findings demonstrate the greater influence of self-evaluative perfectionism, rather than conscientious perfectionism, on eating psychopathology in dancers.

Anxiety and Disordered Eating

Anxiety and Disordered Eating

Exploring the Relationship Between Social Anxiety and Bulimic Symptoms: Mediational Effects of Perfectionism Among Females.

Previous findings indicate that social anxiety and bulimia co-occur at high rates; one mechanism that has been proposed to link these symptom clusters is perfectionism. We tested meditational models among 167 female undergraduates in which maladaptive evaluative perfectionism concerns (MEPC; i.e., critical self-evaluative perfectionism) mediated the relationship between social anxiety and bulimic symptoms. Results from a first model indicated that MEPC mediated the relationship between fear of public scrutiny and bulimia symptoms. This indirect effect was significant above and beyond the indirect effects of maladaptive body-image cognitions and perfectionism specific to pure personal standards. A second model was tested with MEPC mediating the relationship between social interaction anxiety and bulimia symptoms. Similar results were obtained; however, in this model, a significant direct effect remained after partialing out the indirect effect of the mediators. Theoretical implications are discussed.

Conscientious Perfectionism, Self-Evaluative Perfectionism, and the Five-Factor Model of personality traits

► Hypotheses posited by Hill et al. (2004) regarding perfectionism and personality were tested. ► Conscientious Perfectionism and Conscientiousness were strongly correlated. ► Self-Evaluative Perfectionism and Neuroticism were moderately correlated. ► Provides support for utilizing subscales and facets rather than composite and component scores. ► Implications for future iterations of the DSM and conceptualization of OCPD are discussed. The psychometric structure of the Perfectionism Inventory was re-examined, and the relationships among perfectionism traits and broad personality traits were examined in a college sample ( N = 390). Results supported the psychometric structure reported by Hill et al. (2004) . Additionally, the Self-Evaluative Perfectionism component was moderately correlated with Neuroticism, and the Conscientious Perfectionism component was strongly correlated with Conscientiousness. However, the most accurate picture of perfectionism’s relationship with broad personality traits was found when examining the perfectionism subscales and personality facets. Findings suggest that the instrument’s composite score and component scores are not as meaningful as subscale scores. Implications for future iterations of the DSM and conceptualization of OCPD are discussed.

Correlates of Disordered Eating Attitudes Among Male and Female Young Talented Dancers: Findings From the UK Centres for Advanced Training

Correlates of disordered eating attitudes were examined with a mixed-sex sample of 347 young talented dancers aged 10–18 years from all UK Centres for Advanced Training. Equal proportions of females (7.3%) and males (7.6%) were symptomatic for disordered eating but correlates differed: for females, self-evaluative perfectionism, waking up > twice/night and hours of non-dance physical activity were predictive while for males, only the combination of self-evaluative and conscientious perfectionism was significant. Differences between menstrual status groups were evident, with young dancers (pre-menarcheal/within first year of menarche) reporting the least disordered eating attitudes and those with dysfunctional menses reporting the most.

The effect of perceived stress on the relationship between perfectionism and burnout in coaches

The effects of perceived stress (PS) on the relationship between adaptive and maladaptive forms of perfectionism and burnout were examined. Smith's (1986) stress appraisal model and Kelley, Eklund, and Ritter-Taylor's (1999) model of coach burnout were used to test two models of burnout in a sample of college coaches (N=177). The results indicated that there is an indirect effect of self-evaluative perfectionism (i.e., maladaptive form of perfectionism) on burnout through PS as well as a significant direct link to burnout, accounting for 56% of its variance. In contrast, conscientious perfectionism (CP) (i.e., adaptive perfectionism) did not directly impact burnout, nor was there an indirect effect through PS. Based on Lazarus's (1999) ideas about stress appraisal, the results suggested that maladaptive forms of perfectionism resulted in more threatening perceptions of stress, thus, potentially leading to the experience of burnout. However, adaptive forms of perfectionism did not seem to result in increased appraisals of stress or result in burnout. The results did indicate a significant correlation between the two forms of perfectionism, which may explain why CP did not significantly impact PS or burnout.

A New Measure of Perfectionism:The Perfectionism Inventory

In this investigation, we produced a new 8-scale measure of perfectionism called the Perfectionism Inventory (PI) that is designed to capture the important constructs provided by 2 existing Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS; Frost, Marten, Lahart, & Rosenblate, 1990; Hewitt & Flett, 1991b) measures, along with new perfectionism scales. In the results from 3 studies, we describe scale development, scale psychometric properties, and criterion-related validity evidence for the 8 PI scales: Concern Over Mistakes, High Standards for Others, Need for Approval, Organization, Parental Pressure, Planfulness, Rumination, and Striving for Excellence. We present relationships between the 8 PI scales, relevant MPS scales, and other criterion measures. Second-order exploratory and confirmatory analyses provide support for the 8-scale PI model as well as support for 2 composite PI factors labeled Conscientious Perfectionism and Self-Evaluative Perfectionism.