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Nepon T, Flett GL, Hewitt PL. Perfectionism, Self-Image Goals and Compassionate Goals in Health and Mental Health: A Longitudinal Analysis. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT 2024; 42:650-667. [PMID: 39157723 PMCID: PMC11326979 DOI: 10.1177/07342829241239997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
This research focuses on ego-focused self-image goals as central to understanding the vulnerability inherent in perfectionism and the link that perfectionism has with poorer health and emotional well-being. The present study expands theory and research on perfectionism from a unique motivational perspective through a longitudinal investigation of perfectionism, the pursuit of self-image goals related to self-improvement, and mental and physical health among 187 university students. Our central finding was that trait and self-presentational perfectionism were associated longitudinally with self-image goals and poorer mental and physical health. Longitudinal analyses showed that perfectionistic self-presentation predicted subsequent self-image goals, controlling for initial self-image goals. Additionally, self-image goals were associated with worse mental and physical health and greater loneliness and social anxiety. Collectively, our results illustrate the benefits of assessing problematic personal goals in perfectionism and the need to revise existing motivational accounts by recognizing the important role ego-involved goals play in guiding much of what perfectionists do and how they act in their daily lives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paul L Hewitt
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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2
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Chen S, Saklofske DH, Flett GL, Hewitt PL. Assessing and Evaluating the Perfectionism Social Disconnection Model: Social Support, Loneliness, and Distress Among Undergraduate, Law, and Medical Students. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT 2024; 42:743-767. [PMID: 39157721 PMCID: PMC11326981 DOI: 10.1177/07342829241244951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
The current research evaluates the Perfectionism Social Disconnection Model (PSDM) by considering the links between measures of trait perfectionism and perfectionistic self-presentation and measures of social support, loneliness, and distress in cross-sectional research. A particular focus is on perfectionism and levels of social support as assessed by the Social Provisions Scale. The current study also uniquely evaluates levels of perfectionism and perfectionistic self-presentation in undergraduate students, medical students, and law students. The results across samples provided evidence that loneliness mediates the link between interpersonal perfectionism and distress in keeping with the predictions of the PSDM. Correlational results found robust links between loneliness and low levels of social support. Moreover, socially prescribed perfectionism and perfectionistic self-presentation were associated negatively with social support, and this was especially evident in terms of the facet tapping the nondisclosure of imperfections. Group comparisons of perfectionism yielded few significant differences in accordance with expectations. Levels of perfectionism tended to be lower among medical students. However, the links between perfectionism and distress were clearly evident among undergraduates, medical students, and law students, thus attesting to the vulnerability of perfectionistic students in general. Overall, the results further confirm the relevance of perfectionism in distress among students and applicability of the PSDM in various types of students.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Paul L Hewitt
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Casale S, Svicher A, Fioravanti G, Hewitt PL, Flett GL, Pozza A. Perfectionistic Self-Presentation and Psychopathology: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clin Psychol Psychother 2024; 31:e2966. [PMID: 38600830 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Decades of research implicate perfectionism as a risk factor for psychopathology. Most research has focused on trait perfectionism (i.e., needing to be perfect), but there is a growing focus on perfectionistic self-presentation (PSP) (i.e., the need to seem perfect). The current article reports the results of a meta-analysis of previous research on the facets of PSP and psychopathology outcomes (either clinical diagnoses of psychiatric disorders or symptoms of these disorders). A systematic literature search retrieved 30 relevant studies (37 samples; N = 15,072), resulting in 192 individual effect-size indexes that were analysed with random-effect meta-analysis. Findings support the notion of PSP as a transdiagnostic factor by showing that PSP facets are associated with various forms of psychopathology, especially social anxiety, depression, vulnerable narcissism and-to lesser extent-grandiose narcissism and anorexia nervosa. The results indicated that there both commonalities across the three PSP and some unique findings highlighting the need to distinguish among appearing perfect, avoiding seeming imperfect and avoiding disclosures of imperfections. Additional analyses yielded little evidence in the results across studies including undergraduates, community samples and clinical samples. Our discussion includes a focus on factors and processes that contribute to the association between PSP and psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Casale
- Department of Health Sciences, Psychology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Svicher
- Department of Education, Languages, Intercultures, Literatures and Psychology (Psychology Section), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Fioravanti
- Department of Health Sciences, Psychology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paul L Hewitt
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Gordon L Flett
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Pozza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Fekih-Romdhane F, Rogoza R, Hallit R, Malaeb D, Sakr F, Dabbous M, Sawma T, Obeid S, Hallit S. Psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the Big Three Perfectionism Scale-Short Form (BTPS-SF) in a community sample of adults. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:932. [PMID: 38082387 PMCID: PMC10712120 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05427-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the high clinical relevance of the perfectionism construct as a transdiagnostic contributor to different mental health symptoms, and the recent burgeoning of research in this area across cultures in the past two decades, the Arab region was one of the cultural settings experiencing the slowest progress in this line of research. This study aimed to make a meaningful contribution to the literature by validating an Arabic-language version of the 16-item Big Three Perfectionism Scale-Short Form (BTPS-SF). In particular, we sought to examine structure and concurrent validity, internal consistency, and measurement invariance across gender groups. METHOD A web-based, convenience sampling method was adopted to collect a sample of Arabic-speaking adults from the general population of Lebanon (N = 515; aged 27.55 ± 10.92 years; 69.9% females). The forward-backward method was applied in translating the Arabic version of the BTPS-SF. RESULTS The examination of the internal structure, using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), demonstrated that the three-factor model (i.e., rigid, self-critical, and narcissistic perfectionism) fitted well to the data. All three factors of the Arabic 16-item BTPS-SF yielded excellent reliability estimates, with both Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega ranging from 0.83 to 0.86. Multi-group CFA revealed that fit indices showed no significant difference in model fit at the configural, metric, and scalar levels, thus suggesting that the factor loadings, pattern structure, and item intercepts are invariant across gender groups. Finally, BTPS-SF subscales scores correlated positively with psychological distress (i.e., depression, stress and anxiety), and inversely with subjective well-being, indicating an acceptable concurrent validity. CONCLUSION The present findings allow us to conclude that the Arabic BTPS-SF permits to capture reliably and validly three main factors of perfectionism. We hope that providing this psychometrically sound scale will encourage its large use not only in empirical research, but also in clinical applications, including psychological screening and treatment monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry "Ibn Omrane", Razi hospital, Manouba, 2010, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Radoslaw Rogoza
- University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Psychology, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Rabih Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Department of Infectious Disease, Bellevue Medical Center, Mansourieh, Lebanon
- Department of Infectious Disease, Notre Dame des Secours University Hospital, Postal code 3, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Diana Malaeb
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fouad Sakr
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mariam Dabbous
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Toni Sawma
- School of Arts and Sciences, Social and Education Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- School of Arts and Sciences, Social and Education Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon.
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon.
- Psychology Department, College of Humanities, Effat University, Jeddah, 21478, Saudi Arabia.
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
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Casale S, Fioravanti G, Ghinassi S. Applying the Self-Determination Theory to explain the link between perceived parental overprotection and perfectionism dimensions. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.112044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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6
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Barahmand U, Shamsina N, Rojas K, Geschwind N, Haruna Iya F. Mechanisms Linking Perfectionism and Social Anxiety: The Role of Hostility and Disqualification of Positive Social Outcomes. J Psychiatr Pract 2023; 29:94-103. [PMID: 36928196 DOI: 10.1097/pra.0000000000000700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
While considerable research has focused on maladaptive perfectionism as a risk factor for social anxiety, little attention has been given to the mechanisms that mediate the effects. We integrated perfectionism with the bivalent fear of evaluation model of social anxiety to investigate 2 hypothesized mechanisms: hostile attribution bias and disqualification of positive social outcomes (DPSO). Specifically, we hypothesized that individuals with maladaptive perfectionism develop hostile attribution biases which then lead to DPSO, which in turn predisposes them to social anxiety. Participants were 242 individuals from the general population who completed measures of perfectionism, hostile attribution bias, DPSO, and social anxiety. A test of multiple mediators using bootstrapping supported the hypothesized multiple mediator models. The results suggested that maladaptive perfectionism predisposes an individual to social anxiety through hostile attribution bias and DPSO. The results further suggested that DPSO but not hostile attribution bias operates as an individual mediator in the perfectionism-social anxiety relationship. The findings from this study provide support for the bivalent fear of evaluation model of social anxiety; however, the use of a cross-sectional design limited our ability to find true cause-and-effect relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usha Barahmand
- BARAHMAND, SHAMSINA, ROJAS, GESCHWIND, IYA: Queens College, City University of New York, New York, NY
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7
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Kealy D, Laverdière O, Cox DW, Hewitt PL. Childhood emotional neglect and depressive and anxiety symptoms among mental health outpatients: the mediating roles of narcissistic vulnerability and shame. J Ment Health 2023; 32:24-32. [PMID: 33084445 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2020.1836557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Theorized to stem from experiences of childhood emotional neglect, narcissistic vulnerability has been identified as contributing to expressions of psychiatric distress such as depressive and anxiety symptoms, particularly due to shame-proneness. AIMS To investigate narcissistic vulnerability and shame as mediators between perceived childhood emotional neglect and depressive and generalized anxiety symptoms among psychiatric outpatients. METHODS Adults (N = 137) attending community mental health services completed self-report measures at intake. Mediation analyses tested the indirect effect of perceived emotional neglect on depressive and generalized anxiety symptom severity through narcissistic vulnerability; shame was added to subsequent models to examine narcissistic vulnerability and shame as sequential mediators. RESULTS Perceived emotional neglect was significantly associated with narcissistic vulnerability, which in turn was linked with depressive and generalized anxiety symptoms as separate dependent variables. Indirect effects were significant in each model, indicating narcissistic vulnerability as a significant mediator. With the inclusion of shame, narcissistic vulnerability and shame were significant as sequential mediators. CONCLUSION Narcissistic vulnerability and shame may operate as mechanisms in conferring affective symptom severity from perceived childhood emotional neglect. Narcissistic vulnerability and susceptibility to shame may thus be important treatment targets when addressing psychological distress in the context of childhood adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Kealy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Olivier Laverdière
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Daniel W Cox
- Counselling Psychology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Paul L Hewitt
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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8
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Barabadi E, Khajavy GH, Booth JR, Rahmani Tabar M, Vahdani Asadi MR. The links between perfectionistic cognitions, L2 achievement and willingness to communicate: examining L2 anxiety as a mediator. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-04114-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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9
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Kaçar-Başaran S, Gökdağ C, Erdoğan-Yıldırım Z, Yorulmaz O. A different view to perfectionism: An investigation of the psychometric properties of the big three perfectionism scale in a Turkish community sample. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-020-01131-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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10
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Psychological Distress Profiles of Young Adults With Vulnerable Narcissism Traits. J Nerv Ment Dis 2022; 210:426-431. [PMID: 34812185 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The current study hypothesizes a mediating role for shame in the association between vulnerable narcissism (VN) and depressive and social anxiety symptoms. A sample of 600 undergraduates was administered psychometrically sound self-reports to assess the study variables. Structural Equation Modeling supported the mediating effect of shame in the association between VN and depressive symptoms, irrespective of the way VN was assessed (i.e., Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale [HSNS] or Pathological Narcissism Inventory). Conversely, shame did not mediate the association with social anxiety when VN was assessed through the (HSNS). A direct effect of VN on both depressive and social anxiety symptoms was also detected. The results are discussed in the context of their implications, while also focusing on the different findings that emerged via the measures used to assess VN.
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11
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Lowe PA. Do Dimensions of Perfectionism Predict Dimensions of Test Anxiety While Controlling for Depression? JOURNAL OF PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/07342829221095653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A. Lowe
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
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12
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Aparicio Flores MP, Vicent M, Freire Andino RO, Sanmartín R, Gonzálvez C, García-Fernández JM. Profiles of Perfectionistic Automatic Thoughts and Aggression. Psychol Rep 2022:332941211069519. [PMID: 35084233 DOI: 10.1177/00332941211069519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the study of perfectionistic automatic thoughts (PAT) has increased given its maladaptive nature since it is link to numerous psychological disorders. From our knowledge, no previous research has addressed the relationship between PAT and the four components of aggressive behavior (anger, hostility, verbal aggression, and physical aggression. This study had a double goal. The first aim was to identify distinct profiles of PAT in a sample of 3060 Ecuadorian undergraduates (Mage=22.7, SD = 2.46. The second aim of this study was to determine whether or not statistically significant differences exist between these profiles, based on the four components of aggressive behavior. The Perfectionism Cognitions Inventory (PCI) and the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ) were used. Five profiles with different intensities in the dimensions of perfectionistic automatic thoughts were identified by Latent Class Analysis (1. No-Perfectionistic Automatic Thoughts, 2. Low Perfectionistic Automatic Thoughts, 3. High Perfectionistic Demands, 4. Moderate Perfectionistic Automatic Thoughts, and 5. High Perfectionistic Automatic Thoughts). The moderate and high perfectionistic automatic thoughts profiles obtained the highest mean scores for all components of aggressive behavior (i.e., the four factors that make up AQ: Physical Aggression, Verbal Aggression, Anger, and Hostility), while the No-perfectionistic automatic thoughts and Low perfectionistic automatic thoughts profiles had the lowest mean scores. These results provide new knowledge about the prevalence of PAT in the context of Ecuador. Also, they suggest further research on the topic given the positive relationship of PAT and aggressive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - María Vicent
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Didactics16718Universitat d'Alacant
| | | | | | - Carolina Gonzálvez
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Didactics16718Universitat d'Alacant
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Molnar DS, Methot-Jones T, Moore J, O’Leary DD, Wade TJ. Perfectionistic Cognitions Pre-Pandemic Predict Greater Anxiety Symptoms During the Pandemic Among Emerging Adults: A Two-Wave Cross-Lagged Study. JOURNAL OF RATIONAL-EMOTIVE AND COGNITIVE-BEHAVIOR THERAPY 2021; 40:474-492. [PMID: 34690428 PMCID: PMC8527291 DOI: 10.1007/s10942-021-00423-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
This study employed a two-wave cross-lagged panel analysis to examine associations between perfectionistic cognitions, anxiety, and depression pre-pandemic to during the pandemic in a sample of 171 (57% female, n = 98) emerging adults. Results demonstrated that perfectionistic cognitions decreased, anxiety increased, and depressive symptoms did not change pre-pandemic to during the pandemic. Cross-lagged results indicated that pre-pandemic perfectionistic cognitions predicted higher levels of anxiety symptoms (but not depressive symptoms) during the pandemic after accounting for pre-pandemic levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. These results held with the inclusion of covariates (i.e., sex, age, education, exposure to COVID-19, whether or not participants knew someone diagnosed with COVID-19, had lost income due to the pandemic, and how often they thought about COVID-19). Psychological distress (i.e., anxiety and depressive symptoms) pre-pandemic did not predict perfectionistic cognitions during the pandemic after accounting for pre-pandemic levels of perfectionistic cognitions. Results support assertions that individuals with heightened levels of perfectionism are at an increased risk for poorer mental health during the pandemic. Findings underscore the importance of assessing perfectionistic cognitions for the prevention and treatment of anxiety symptoms among emerging adults during and post-pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle S. Molnar
- Department of Child and Youth Studies, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1 Canada
| | - Tabitha Methot-Jones
- Department of Child and Youth Studies, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1 Canada
| | - Jessy Moore
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON Canada
| | - Deborah D. O’Leary
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON Canada
- Brock-Niagara Centre for Health and Well-Being, St. Catharines, Canada
| | - Terrance J. Wade
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON Canada
- Brock-Niagara Centre for Health and Well-Being, St. Catharines, Canada
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Molnar DS, Moore J, O'Leary DD, MacNeil AJ, Wade TJ. Perfectionistic cognitions, Interleukin-6, and C-Reactive protein: A test of the perfectionism diathesis stress model. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 13:100211. [PMID: 34589737 PMCID: PMC8474573 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated that perfectionism is implicated in poorer health and earlier mortality. However, to our knowledge, research has not yet determined how individual differences in perfectionistic cognitions are related to intermediary health markers such as inflammation. Thus, within the theoretical frameworks of the perfectionism diathesis-stress model (Hewitt and Flett, 1993) and the cognitive theory of perfectionism (Flett et al., 2018; Flett et al., 2016) the aims of our study were to test whether individual differences in perfectionistic cognitions were associated with low-grade inflammation via c-reactive CRP and IL-6 biomarkers and whether these relationships varied as a function perceived stress. The sample included 248 Canadian young adults (52% female, Mage = 22.89, SD = 1.53) who completed surveys assessing key constructs such as perfectionistic cognitions and perceived stress along with providing assessments of body fat percentage and serum samples of IL-6 and CRP. Regression analyses indicated that perfectionistic cognitions were not related to IL-6 under any conditions of stress. However, under high levels of stress perfectionistic cognitions were associated with elevated levels of CRP and these findings held after accounting for the effects of smoking status, body fat percentage, and respondent sex. The present work adds to the growing body of evidence supporting links between personality and inflammation. These findings raise the possibility that experiencing more frequent thoughts centered on the need to be perfect when coupled with higher levels of stress may set the stage for greater vulnerability for chronic inflammation. Perfectionistic cognitions were related to elevated levels of CRP under high levels of perceived stress. Perfectionistic cognitions were not related to CRP under low or moderate levels of perceived stress. Perfectionistic cognitions were not related to IL-6 under any conditions of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle S Molnar
- Department of Child and Youth Studies, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessy Moore
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Deborah D O'Leary
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adam J MacNeil
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Terrance J Wade
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
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Tyler J, Mu W, McCann J, Belli G, Asnaani A. The unique contribution of perfectionistic cognitions to anxiety disorder symptoms in a treatment-seeking sample. Cogn Behav Ther 2020; 50:121-137. [PMID: 32835597 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2020.1798497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Perfectionistic cognitions are thinking patterns that reflect excessive striving and are associated with emotional disorders in nonclinical samples. Despite literature connecting trait perfectionism with psychological disorders, much remains unknown about how perfectionistic cognitions relate to anxiety disorder symptoms in clinical populations. This is the first study to our knowledge that investigates how symptoms of anxiety and related symptoms are influenced by the frequency of perfectionistic cognitions when controlling for well documented correlates of anxiety. Perfectionistic cognitions, depressive symptoms, emotion regulation, anxiety sensitivity, and anxiety symptom severity were assessed prior to starting treatment in 356 treatment-seeking patients diagnosed with an anxiety or anxiety-related disorder at a specialty anxiety clinic. Perfectionistic cognitions were significantly correlated with all anxiety symptom measures as well as measures of depression, emotion regulation and anxiety sensitivity (range of rs =.22-.68). Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that when controlling for depressive symptoms, anxiety sensitivity, and emotion regulation, perfectionistic cognitions significantly and uniquely contribute to the variance of GAD (p <.01) and PTSD (p <.05) symptoms but not other anxiety-related symptoms (all ps >.05). Regardless of specific diagnoses, treatment-seeking individuals reporting frequent perfectionistic thoughts are more likely to report more severe symptoms of PTSD and GAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Tyler
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wenting Mu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jesse McCann
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gina Belli
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University , Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anu Asnaani
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Aparicio-Flores MP, Vicent M, Sanmartín R, Gonzálvez C, Freire-Andino RO, García-Fernández JM. Psychometric Properties of the Perfectionism Cognitions Inventory in Ecuador. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E5834. [PMID: 32806581 PMCID: PMC7459577 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Perfectionistic Automatic Thoughts (PATs) are currently being studied due to their association with maladaptive variables. This study aims to validate the Spanish version of the Perfectionism Cognitions Inventory (PCI) in a sample of Ecuadorian undergraduates as well as to analyze latent mean differences across sex. The sample was composed by 3060 undergraduates (Mage = 22.7, SD = 2.46). The Spanish model of the PCI composed by 17 items divided into three first-order dimensions (perfectionistic concerns, strivings, and demands) and a second-order factor was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. Acceptable levels of reliability and factorial invariance across sex were observed. Higher latent mean scores for males in comparison with females in the second-order factor of the PCI were found. The three dimensions of the PCI significantly and positively correlated with interpersonal difficulties. Overall, results demonstrate that the Spanish version of the PCI is a valid and reliable measure to evaluate PATs in Ecuadorian undergraduates.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Pilar Aparicio-Flores
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Teaching, Faculty of Education, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (M.P.A.-F.); (R.S.); (C.G.); (J.M.G.-F.)
| | - María Vicent
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Teaching, Faculty of Education, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (M.P.A.-F.); (R.S.); (C.G.); (J.M.G.-F.)
| | - Ricardo Sanmartín
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Teaching, Faculty of Education, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (M.P.A.-F.); (R.S.); (C.G.); (J.M.G.-F.)
| | - Carolina Gonzálvez
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Teaching, Faculty of Education, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (M.P.A.-F.); (R.S.); (C.G.); (J.M.G.-F.)
| | | | - José Manuel García-Fernández
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Teaching, Faculty of Education, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (M.P.A.-F.); (R.S.); (C.G.); (J.M.G.-F.)
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Profiles of Perfectionistic Ruminations in Undergraduates: Impact on the Spontaneous Use of Mental Images. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17103488. [PMID: 32429473 PMCID: PMC7277417 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17103488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Perfectionistic Automatic Thoughts (PAT) negatively affects people who present it. Hence the importance of their study to determine possible ways of reduction. The current study tried to identify PAT profiles and specify the statistically significant differences in the Spontaneous Use of Mental Imaging in 647 undergraduates. For this the Perfectionism Cognitions Inventory and the Spontaneous Use of Imagery Scale were used. The cluster analyses showed three groups of PATs; low (LPAT), moderate (MPAT) and high (HPAT). An analysis of variance revealed moderate size differences in the visual-spatial capacity as well as in the total of the Spontaneous Use of Mental Images for MPAT and LPAT. Implications for the training of future teachers related to the use of mental imagery that can reduce maladaptive PAT are discussed.
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Feher A, Smith MM, Saklofske DH, Plouffe RA, Wilson CA, Sherry SB. The Big Three Perfectionism Scale–Short Form (BTPS-SF): Development of a Brief Self-Report Measure of Multidimensional Perfectionism. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0734282919878553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The Big Three Perfectionism Scale (BTPS) is a 45-item self-report measure of perfectionism with three overarching factors: rigid, self-critical, and narcissistic perfectionism. Our objective was to create a brief version of the BTPS, the Big Three Perfectionism Scale–Short Form (BTPS-SF). Sixteen items were selected, and confirmatory factor analysis using a large sample of Canadian university students ( N = 607) revealed the BTPS-SF had acceptable model fit. Moreover, the BTPS-SF displayed strong test–retest reliability. The relationships of the BTPS-SF factors with depression, anxiety, stress, emotional intelligence, personality, resiliency, and elements of subjective well-being also suggested adequate criterion validity. Overall, results suggest the BTPS-SF represents an efficient, easily administered, and novel means of assessing multidimensional perfectionism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Feher
- The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
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