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Bien K, Wagner J, Brandt ND. Who tends to be a perfectionistic adolescent? Distinguishing perfectionism from excellencism and investigating the links with the Big Five and self-esteem. Br J Psychol 2024. [PMID: 39325595 DOI: 10.1111/bjop.12739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Striving towards perfection is an important concept of study, given its heterogenous associations with both positive and negative outcomes. To address this matter, recent work has emphasized the need to differentiate between striving towards perfection (perfectionism) and excellence (excellencism). However, the applicability of this differentiation in adolescence remains largely unexplored, despite this life phase being particularly sensitive for the development of perfectionism. To better understand striving towards perfection in adolescence, we examined the psychometric properties of the German Scale of Perfectionism and Excellencism (SCOPE) and evaluated the nomological net with the Big Five and self-esteem in 788 German adolescents (Mage = 15.49 years; 50% female). The results underscored the distinctiveness of the different strivings in adolescents but pointed to mixed evidence regarding convergent and discriminant validities. Notably, striving towards perfection was related to lower levels of openness and self-esteem but higher levels of neuroticism, whereas striving towards excellence was related to higher levels of every trait except neuroticism. Finally, most results remained consistent across genders and school types. We discuss how the differentiation between perfectionism and excellencism deepens our understanding of adolescents' perfectionistic strivings and how it might inform future research across different psychological fields.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Naemi D Brandt
- University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
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2
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Gaudreau P, Schellenberg BJI. The impact of internet-based cognitive behavior therapy for perfectionism: a reinterpretation through the lens of the Model of Excellencism and Perfectionism. Behav Cogn Psychother 2024; 52:288-300. [PMID: 37974428 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465823000516] [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] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Grieve et al. (2022) tested the effects of an intervention designed to reduce perfectionism. Contrary to their hypotheses, the intervention reduced both perfectionism and excellencism. Furthermore, excellencism positively correlated with negative outcomes (e.g. anxiety). AIMS A theory-driven framework (with five hypothetical scenarios) is proposed to reconsider how we interpret the effectiveness of interventions designed to reduce perfectionism. Our goal was to offer a constructive reinterpretation of the results of Grieve et al. (2022) using our new framework derived from the Model of Excellencism and Perfectionism. METHOD Secondary data analyses using the experimental and correlational results are published in the randomized control trial of Grieve et al. (2022). RESULTS Our re-examination of the results reveals that excellencism was reduced by a smaller extent (approximately 25% less) than perfectionism. Based on our framework, such a ratio provides conclusive evidence for the effectiveness of this intervention. Students entered the intervention as perfectionists and they ended up somewhere between the zones of excellence striving and non-perfectionism. Furthermore, our multivariate re-analysis of the bivariate correlations indicates that excellence strivers experienced better adjustment (lower anxiety, depression, stress, body-related acceptance, and higher self-compassion) compared with perfectionists. CONCLUSION Future interventions should target the reduction of perfectionism and the maintenance of excellencism because excellencism relates to desirable outcomes. Our secondary data analysis was needed to inform researchers and practitioners about an alternative interpretation of Grieve and colleagues' findings. Future interventions to reduce perfectionism should closely monitor excellencism and follow the interpretational guidelines advanced in this article.
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Osenk I, Johnson C, Wade TD. A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial Targeting Perfectionism in Young Adolescents. SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH 2023; 15:151-164. [PMID: 36092281 PMCID: PMC9446653 DOI: 10.1007/s12310-022-09540-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Perfectionism has adverse impacts on mental health and academic outcomes. We evaluated a 5-lesson classroom intervention for young adolescents delivered by teachers for impact on perfectionism, well-being, self-compassion, academic motivation and negative affect, at post-intervention and 3-month follow-up. Classes (N = 636 students, M age = 13.68, SD = 0.60) were randomized to intervention (n = 343) or classes as usual (n = 293). Data were analyzed using linear mixed models adjusted for baseline observation and clustering. At post-intervention no differences were found between the groups. At 3-month follow-up, anxiety showed a significant increase in the control group with no increase in the intervention group (d = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.40); females in the control group had a significant decrease in well-being from post-intervention to 3 month follow-up compared to the intervention group (d = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.58); students with high levels of perfectionistic concerns in the intervention had significantly lower perfectionistic strivings at 3 month follow-up than the control group ((d = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.49). This intervention shows promising results when delivered by teachers. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) Trial Number: ACTRN12621000457842 (April 19, 2021). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12310-022-09540-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Osenk
- Blackbird Initiative, Flinders Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia Australia
| | - Catherine Johnson
- Blackbird Initiative, Flinders Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia Australia
| | - Tracey D Wade
- Blackbird Initiative, Flinders Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia Australia
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4
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Modern-day Hoarding: A Model for Understanding and Measuring Digital Hoarding. INFORMATION & MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.im.2022.103700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Lin S, Muenks K. Perfectionism Profiles among College Students: A Person-centered Approach to Motivation, Behavior, and Emotion. CONTEMPORARY EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cedpsych.2022.102110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Smith MM, Hewitt PL, Sherry SB, Flett GL, Ray C. Parenting behaviors and trait perfectionism: A meta-analytic test of the social expectations and social learning models. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PERSONALITY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrp.2021.104180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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8
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Stricker J, Kröger L, Küskens A, Gieselmann A, Pietrowsky R. No perfect sleep! A systematic review of the link between multidimensional perfectionism and sleep disturbance. J Sleep Res 2022; 31:e13548. [DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Stricker
- Department of Experimental Psychology Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf Düsseldorf Germany
| | - Lasse Kröger
- Department of Psychology University of Trier Trier Germany
| | - Anna Küskens
- Department of Experimental Psychology Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf Düsseldorf Germany
| | - Annika Gieselmann
- Department of Experimental Psychology Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf Düsseldorf Germany
| | - Reinhard Pietrowsky
- Department of Experimental Psychology Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf Düsseldorf Germany
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Nealis LJ, Sherry SB, Lee-Baggley DL. Perfectionism and Stressful Perseveration in the Psychophysiological Experience of Stress: A 7-Day Multi-Method Study. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10862-021-09932-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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10
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Goulet-Pelletier JC, Gaudreau P, Cousineau D. Is perfectionism a killer of creative thinking? A test of the model of excellencism and perfectionism. Br J Psychol 2021; 113:176-207. [PMID: 34472100 DOI: 10.1111/bjop.12530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The standards that a person pursue in life can be set in a rigid or flexible way. The recent literature has emphasized a distinction between high and realistic standards of excellence, from high and unrealistic standards of perfection. In two studies, we investigated the role of striving towards excellence (i.e., excellencism) and striving towards perfection (i.e., perfectionism) in relation to divergent thinking, associative thinking, and openness to experience, general self-efficacy, and creative self-beliefs. In Study 1, 279 university students completed three divergent thinking items, which called for creative uses of two common objects and to name original things which make noise. A measure of openness to experience was included. Results from multiple regression indicated that participants pursuing excellence tended to generate more answers and more original ones compared with those pursuing perfection. Openness to experience was positively associated to excellencism and negatively associated to perfectionism. In Study 2 (n = 401 university students), we replicated these findings and extended them to associative tasks requiring participants to generate chains of unrelated words. Additional individual differences measures included general self-efficacy, creative self-efficacy, and creative personal identity. The results suggested that excellencism was associated with better performance on divergent thinking and associative tasks, compared with perfectionism. Excellencism was positively associated with all four personality variables, whereas perfectionism was significantly and negatively associated with openness to experience only. Implications for the distinction between perfectionism and excellencism with respect to creative indicators are discussed. In addition, the paradoxical finding that perfection strivers had high creative self-efficacy and creative personal identity but lower openness to experience and poorer performance on objective indicators of creative abilities is discussed.
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Grieve P, Egan SJ, Andersson G, Carlbring P, Shafran R, Wade TD. The impact of internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy for perfectionism on different measures of perfectionism: a randomised controlled trial. Cogn Behav Ther 2021; 51:130-142. [PMID: 34254892 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2021.1928276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The current study investigated the impact of an 8-module internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy for perfectionism (ICBT-P) across a variety of perfectionism subscales. Undergraduate students who identified as having a problem with perfectionism were randomized to receive the intervention (n = 41), and were free to choose the number of treatment modules they completed over a 4-week period, while the control group (N = 48) received access to treatment 8 weeks post-randomisation. Secondary measures included depression, anxiety, stress, body image and self-compassion. Assessments occurred at baseline, 2-, 4- and 8-week time points. A mean of 3.12 (SD = 2.67) modules were completed; 7 participants (17%) completed none and 6 (15%) completed all. Linear mixed modelling (with baseline observation included as a covariate) showed significant Bonferroni-adjusted post-hoc between-group differences for 5 of the 6 perfectionism measures, favouring the intervention group; the most robust between group effect sizes were for the Concern over Mistakes (d = -0.82), High Standards (d = -0.69), and Perfectionistic Standards (d = -0.47) subscales. There were no between-group differences for our secondary measures. ICBT-P was found to be an effective intervention for reducing different components of perfectionism compared to a control group. The relatively low use of modules may have contributed to a lack of effect on secondary measures.Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) Trial Number: ACTRN12620000562976.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Grieve
- Discipline of Psychology, Órama Institute and Blackbird Initiative, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sarah J Egan
- School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Gerhard Andersson
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Carlbring
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roz Shafran
- Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, England
| | - Tracey D Wade
- Discipline of Psychology, Órama Institute and Blackbird Initiative, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
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12
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Robinson K, Wade TD. Perfectionism interventions targeting disordered eating: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Eat Disord 2021; 54:473-487. [PMID: 33594679 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Perfectionism is a risk factor for depression, anxiety, and eating disorders, and perfectionism interventions show evidence of the impact on the development and maintenance of these disorders. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted of studies using perfectionism interventions that included measures of disordered eating/body image concerns. The primary aim was to investigate the impact on perfectionism and disordered eating/body image concerns, with a secondary aim of examining the impact on depression and anxiety. METHOD The systematic review was conducted using Medline, PsycINFO, and Scopus. Grey literature was sought via ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global. Effect size estimates for the meta-analysis were calculated using between- and within-group comparisons. RESULTS Eight studies were included in the between-group analysis and nine studies for the within-group analysis. Perfectionism interventions were effective in reducing perfectionism and disordered eating with large effect sizes, and in reducing depression and anxiety with moderate effect sizes. Studies included both clinical and non-clinical populations. Substantial heterogeneity was present across most analyses. DISCUSSION Eating disorder treatments may benefit more from the inclusion of perfectionism interventions than depression and anxiety treatments. Possible reasoning for these variations between symptom reduction is discussed. This report provides important early evidence for the efficacy of perfectionism interventions, however, the limited number of publications in this area, the presence of heterogeneity, and lack of diversity in participant populations limits the generalizability of these findings. Future research is needed to determine whether eating disorder treatments may benefit from the routine inclusion of a perfectionism component.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tracey D Wade
- Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia.,Blackbird Initiative, Órama Research Institute, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
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14
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Smith MM, Sherry SB, Ray C, Hewitt PL, Flett GL. Is perfectionism a vulnerability factor for depressive symptoms, a complication of depressive symptoms, or both? A meta-analytic test of 67 longitudinal studies. Clin Psychol Rev 2021; 84:101982. [PMID: 33556805 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2021.101982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Decades of research implicates perfectionism in depressive symptoms. Yet, inconsistent findings, underpowered studies, and the tendency for researchers to assume one direction of influence have clouded understanding of whether perfectionism is a vulnerability factor for depressive symptoms, a complication of depressive symptoms, or both. Our primary aim was to address this by using meta-analytic structural equation modeling to test cross-lagged reciprocal relations between depressive symptoms and two perfectionism factors: perfectionistic concerns and perfectionistic strivings. Our secondary aim was to catalyze a search for moderators that might explain heterogeneity by conducting a bivariate random-effects meta-analysis. The literature search yielded 67 longitudinal studies (N = 20,583) composed of undergraduates, community members, medical students, treatment-seeking adults, and patients with mental health problems. The relationship between perfectionistic concerns and depressive symptoms was reciprocal, with perfectionistic concerns predicting increased depressive symptoms and vice versa. In contrast, the relationship between perfectionistic strivings and depressive symptoms was unidirectional, with perfectionistic strivings conferring vulnerability for depressive symptoms, but not the reverse. Clinicians who overlook the reciprocal relationship between perfectionistic concerns and depressive symptoms might miss information vital to accurate conceptualization, assessment, and treatment. Perfectionistic strivings may be distinguishable from perfectionistic concerns by being more in line with classical models of personality vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin M Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada.
| | | | - Cassondra Ray
- Department of Psychology, Dalhousie University, Canada
| | - Paul L Hewitt
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada
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15
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Perfectionism and the disclosure of distress. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.110337] [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: 11/23/2022]
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16
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Robinson A, Stasik-O'Brien S, Calamia M. Toward a More Perfect Conceptualization of Perfectionism: An Exploratory Factor Analysis in Undergraduate College Students. Assessment 2020; 29:385-396. [PMID: 33269604 DOI: 10.1177/1073191120976859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Previous investigations on the factor structure of perfectionism have largely focused on the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale and the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale. The current study aimed to identify the underlying factor structure of perfectionism, based on several widely used measures, and to examine how these factors related to psychopathology and personality broadly. College students (N = 598) completed several measures of perfectionism and broadband measures of psychopathology and personality. Exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) was conducted to examine the hierarchical structure of perfectionism followed by exploratory factor analysis. The hierarchical structure examined provides a framework for understanding the relationship between models of perfectionism at different levels of the hierarchy. The exploratory factor analysis revealed five dimensions of perfectionism: Achievement Striving, Evaluative Concerns, Expectations From Others, Narcissistic Perfectionism, and Organization. These dimensions were associated with psychopathology to differing degrees and were differentially related to personality. These results support using a multidimensional perspective to understand perfectionism.
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Molnar DS, Janssen WF, Sirois FM. Sleeping perfectly? Trait perfectionism, perceived stress, and sleep quality. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.110244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Wade TD, Kay E, Valle MK, Egan SJ, Andersson G, Carlbring P, Shafran R. Internet‐based cognitive behaviour therapy for perfectionism: More is better but no need to be prescriptive. CLIN PSYCHOL-UK 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/cp.12193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tracey D. Wade
- School of Psychology, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia,
| | - Enola Kay
- School of Psychology, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia,
| | - Madelaine K. Valle
- School of Psychology, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia,
| | - Sarah J. Egan
- School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia,
| | - Gerhard Andersson
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden,
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,
| | - Per Carlbring
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden,
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark,
| | - Roz Shafran
- Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK,
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Lavrijsen J, Soenens B, Vansteenkiste M, Verschueren K. Is intelligence related to perfectionism? Multidimensional perfectionism and parental antecedents among adolescents across varying levels of cognitive ability. J Pers 2020; 89:652-671. [PMID: 33159386 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although intellectually gifted individuals are often portrayed as perfectionists, evidence for an association between cognitive ability and perfectionism is inconclusive. This study investigates the relations between cognitive ability and two distinct dimensions of perfectionism and addresses the role of parental antecedents of perfectionism in adolescents at different levels of cognitive ability. METHOD In a community sample of 3,168 adolescents and their parents, cognitive ability was assessed and perfectionism levels and parenting practices were surveyed. RESULTS Adolescents higher in cognitive ability reported higher levels of Personal Standards (i.e., setting ambitious objectives) but lower levels of Concern over Mistakes (i.e., worrying excessively about mistakes). Parental criticism, high parental expectations, and conditionally regarding parenting were associated positively with Concern over Mistakes, and high parental expectations were related positively to Personal Standards. These associations were generally independent of adolescents' cognitive ability. Parents of adolescents higher in cognitive ability relied less on parenting practices associated with the development of perfectionism. CONCLUSION Cognitive ability is related to a higher pursuit of personal standards, yet does not constitute a risk factor for excessive concerns about mistakes. Parental antecedents were related similarly and in theoretically meaningful ways to adolescent perfectionism across different levels of cognitive ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Lavrijsen
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Soenens
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, UGent, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Karine Verschueren
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Piotrowski K. Child-oriented and partner-oriented perfectionism explain different aspects of family difficulties. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236870. [PMID: 32813732 PMCID: PMC7437722 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to verify the relationship between child-oriented and partner-oriented perfectionism, and their associations with narcissism and with difficulties in the romantic and parental domains. A total of 459 individuals participated, 264 women and 195 men (Mage = 33.88, SD = 4.39). Child-oriented perfectionism and partner-oriented perfectionism were related to each other and positively correlated with narcissism. Partner-oriented perfectionism turned out to be a specific predictor of difficulties in the romantic relations, whereas child-oriented perfectionism was found to be a predictor of difficulties in parental relation. The results suggest that studies on other-oriented perfectionism should take into consideration concrete individuals at whom perfectionistic expectations are directed (e.g. partner and children). This will enable a more precise investigation of the influence of perfectionism on family life and a better understanding of the social consequences of other-oriented perfectionism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad Piotrowski
- Institute of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Poznań, Poland
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Lilley C, Sirois F, Rowse G. A meta-analysis of parental multidimensional perfectionism and child psychological outcomes. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.110015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Why does perfectionism confer risk for depressive symptoms? A meta-analytic test of the mediating role of stress and social disconnection. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PERSONALITY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrp.2020.103954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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23
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Chang EC, Schaffer MR, Novak CJ, Ablow DB, Gregory AE, Chang OD, Lucas AG, Hirsch JK. Sexual assault history and self-destructive behaviors in women college students: Testing the perniciousness of perfectionism in predicting non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal behaviors. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2019.05.021] [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: 10/26/2022]
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Smith MM, Sherry SB, Vidovic V, Saklofske DH, Stoeber J, Benoit A. Perfectionism and the Five-Factor Model of Personality: A Meta-Analytic Review. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW 2019; 23:367-390. [PMID: 30612510 DOI: 10.1177/1088868318814973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Over 25 years of research suggests an important link between perfectionism and personality traits included in the five-factor model (FFM). However, inconsistent findings, underpowered studies, and a plethora of perfectionism scales have obscured understanding of how perfectionism fits within the FFM. We addressed these limitations by conducting the first meta-analytic review of the relationships between perfectionism dimensions and FFM traits (k = 77, N = 24,789). Meta-analysis with random effects revealed perfectionistic concerns (socially prescribed perfectionism, concern over mistakes, doubts about actions, and discrepancy) were characterized by neuroticism (rc+ = .50), low agreeableness (rc+ = -.26), and low extraversion (rc+ = -.24); perfectionistic strivings (self-oriented perfectionism, personal standards, and high standards) were characterized by conscientiousness (rc+ = .44). Additionally, several perfectionism-FFM relationships were moderated by gender, age, and the perfectionism subscale used. Findings complement theory suggesting that perfectionism has neurotic and non-neurotic dimensions. Results also underscore that the (mal)adaptiveness of perfectionistic strivings hinges on instrumentation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Aryn Benoit
- University of New Brunswick, New Brunswick, Canada
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Prestele E, Altstötter-Gleich C. Testgüte einer deutschen Version des Mehrdimensionalen Perfektionismus Kognitions-Inventars (MPCI-G). DIAGNOSTICA 2019. [DOI: 10.1026/0012-1924/a000211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung. Gegenstand der vorliegenden Arbeit ist die Entwicklung einer deutschsprachigen Version des Mehrdimensionalen Perfektionismus Kognitions-Inventars (MPCI-G [G = German]). In einer ersten Studie wurde die faktorielle Validität des MPCI-G überprüft. Auf Basis der Ergebnisse aus Studie 1 wurde der MPCI-G revidiert (MPCI-G-R). In Studie 2 wurden die Reliabilität, faktorielle und Konstruktvalidität des MPCI-G-R untersucht. Die Ergebnisse aus konfirmatorischen Faktorenanalysen, Korrelations- und multiplen Regressionsanalysen sprechen für die Reliabilität, faktorielle und Konstruktvalidität der 3 (korrelierten) Dimensionen perfektionistischer Kognitionen: Personal Standards (PSK), Concern over Mistakes (CMK) und Pursuit of Perfection Kognitionen (PPK). Unter anderem fanden sich differentielle Zusammenhänge der 3 Dimensionen mit dispositionellem Perfektionismus (Perfectionistic Strivings und Concerns), Affekt (schlechte Stimmung und Unruhe), Depressivität und der Zielsetzung für eine bevorstehende Prüfungsphase. Die reliable und valide multidimensionale Erfassung perfektionistischer Kognitionen, die zwischen eher positiven (PSK) und negativen Dimensionen (CMK und PPK) differenziert, stellt eine wertvolle Ergänzung zur Erforschung des dispositionellen Perfektionismus dar, welche das Verständnis dafür fördern kann, wie Dimensionen des dispositionellen Perfektionismus mit psychischem und physischem Wohlbefinden zusammenhängen.
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Gaudreau P. On the Distinction Between Personal Standards Perfectionism and Excellencism: A Theory Elaboration and Research Agenda. PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2018; 14:197-215. [PMID: 30462927 DOI: 10.1177/1745691618797940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Research on perfectionism is flourishing, but the unspecified distinction between perfectionism and the pursuit of excellence is a lingering issue that urgently needs conceptual, theoretical, and empirical attention. In this article, excellence and perfection are defined as distinct goals that form the basis of two different but related constructs. To move this idea forward, the term excellencism is introduced. Perfectionism and excellencism are defined and their similarities and differences are illustrated using symbolic logic and adjectives from the English lexicon. A point is made to clearly indicate that excellencism is a required reference point for reassessing the healthiness or unhealthiness of personal standards perfectionism. Using the law of diminishing returns as an analogy, a theory-driven rationale is proposed, and three alternative hypotheses are formulated. Showing that personal standards perfectionism is associated with better, comparable, and worse outcomes compared with excellencism offers the needed and sufficient conditions for respectively supporting the hypothesis that perfectionism is a healthy, unneeded, or deleterious pursuit. The propositions advanced in this theoretical article are more than incremental, and their practical implications are far-reaching: If personal standards perfectionism yields no added value or deleterious outcomes over and above excellencism, then excellence rather than perfection should be promoted.
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Loscalzo Y, Rice SPM, Giannini M, Rice KG. Perfectionism and Academic Performance in Italian College Students. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/0734282918800748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study analyzed the psychometric properties of the Italian translation of both the Short Almost Perfect Scale (SAPS) and the Short Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (SMPS), and the academic implications of perfectionism on 414 Italian college students aged between 18 and 58 years. Results revealed some limitations with the SAPS factor structure that, once addressed, yielded scores with good internal consistency and convergent validity. The SMPS had adequate psychometric properties. Higher perfectionistic strivings scores were associated with better academic performance and with higher rates of studying. This study provides support for the usefulness of both the SAPS and the SMPS in understanding relationships between different perfectionism dimensions and academic outcomes for Italian students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yura Loscalzo
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Psychology, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Sean P. M. Rice
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA, USA
| | - Marco Giannini
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Psychology, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Kenneth G. Rice
- Center for the Study of Stress, Trauma, and Resilience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Nealis LJ, Mackinnon SP. "It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times": A Qualitative Investigation of Perfectionism and Drinking Narratives in Undergraduate Students. Psychol Rep 2018; 121:1013-1036. [PMID: 29298593 DOI: 10.1177/0033294117745887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Perfectionism is a transdiagnostic risk factor for mental health and interpersonal difficulties, but research on perfectionism and alcohol use in emerging adults remains equivocal. Qualitative research methods are underutilized in this area, and inductive analysis of drinking narratives in undergraduate perfectionists may help clarify conflicting results and support novel approaches to quantitative inquiry in this area. We interviewed 20 undergraduates high in perfectionism (6 adaptive perfectionists and 14 maladaptive perfectionists) using a narrative interview, with analyses focusing on a situation involving alcohol use. We coded interviews for emergent themes using thematic analysis. Five themes emerged as follows: (1) drinking as a social experience, (2) suffering consequences, (3) learning from alcohol, (4) alcohol use as escapism, and (5) reluctance and moderation. Our results add to existing literature by highlighting the interpersonal conflict in perfectionistic people's experience in relation to alcohol use during emerging adulthood. Results also suggest perfectionistic people may use alcohol and intoxication as a way to facilitate a "release" from unpleasant situations or emotions. Perfectionists reported both positive and negative experiences, which lends support for using a narrative perspective to help overcome preexisting assumptions about adaptive and maladaptive qualities of perfectionism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan J Nealis
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, 98609 Dalhousie University , Halifax, Canada
| | - Sean P Mackinnon
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, 98609 Dalhousie University , Halifax, Canada
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Stoeber J, Diedenhofen B. Multidimensional perfectionism and counterfactual thinking: Some think upward, others downward. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2017.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Perfectionistic strivings and concerns are differentially associated with self-rated health beyond negative affect. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PERSONALITY 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrp.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Smith MM, Sherry SB, Chen S, Saklofske DH, Mushquash C, Flett GL, Hewitt PL. The perniciousness of perfectionism: A meta-analytic review of the perfectionism-suicide relationship. J Pers 2017; 86:522-542. [PMID: 28734118 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Over 50 years of research implicates perfectionism in suicide. Yet the role of perfectionism in suicide needs clarification due to notable between-study inconsistencies in findings, underpowered studies, and uncertainty about whether perfectionism confers risk for suicide. We addressed this by meta-analyzing perfectionism's relationship with suicide ideation and attempts. We also tested whether self-oriented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed perfectionism predicted increased suicide ideation, beyond baseline ideation. METHOD Our literature search yielded 45 studies (N = 11,747) composed of undergraduates, medical students, community adults, and psychiatric patients. RESULTS Meta-analysis using random effects models revealed perfectionistic concerns (socially prescribed perfectionism, concern over mistakes, doubts about actions, discrepancy, perfectionistic attitudes), perfectionistic strivings (self-oriented perfectionism, personal standards), parental criticism, and parental expectations displayed small-to-moderate positive associations with suicide ideation. Socially prescribed perfectionism also predicted longitudinal increases in suicide ideation. Additionally, perfectionistic concerns, parental criticism, and parental expectations displayed small, positive associations with suicide attempts. CONCLUSIONS Results lend credence to theoretical accounts suggesting self-generated and socially based pressures to be perfect are part of the premorbid personality of people prone to suicide ideation and attempts. Perfectionistic strivings' association with suicide ideation also draws into question the notion that such strivings are healthy, adaptive, or advisable.
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Randall ET, Gray LS, Fletcher AA. Topical Review: Perfectionism and Pediatric Chronic Pain: Theoretical Underpinnings, Assessment, and Treatment. J Pediatr Psychol 2017; 43:326-330. [DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsx106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Edin T Randall
- Boston Children’s Hospital
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children’s at Waltham
| | - Laura S Gray
- Children's National Medical Center
- George Washington University
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Prud'homme J, Dunkley DM, Bernier E, Berg JL, Ghelerter A, Starrs CJ. Specific perfectionism components predicting daily stress, coping, and negative affect six months and three years later. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2017.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Ruch W, Heintz S. Experimentally Manipulating Items Informs on the (Limited) Construct and Criterion Validity of the Humor Styles Questionnaire. Front Psychol 2017; 8:616. [PMID: 28473794 PMCID: PMC5397520 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
How strongly does humor (i.e., the construct-relevant content) in the Humor Styles Questionnaire (HSQ; Martin et al., 2003) determine the responses to this measure (i.e., construct validity)? Also, how much does humor influence the relationships of the four HSQ scales, namely affiliative, self-enhancing, aggressive, and self-defeating, with personality traits and subjective well-being (i.e., criterion validity)? The present paper answers these two questions by experimentally manipulating the 32 items of the HSQ to only (or mostly) contain humor (i.e., construct-relevant content) or to substitute the humor content with non-humorous alternatives (i.e., only assessing construct-irrelevant context). Study 1 (N = 187) showed that the HSQ affiliative scale was mainly determined by humor, self-enhancing and aggressive were determined by both humor and non-humorous context, and self-defeating was primarily determined by the context. This suggests that humor is not the primary source of the variance in three of the HQS scales, thereby limiting their construct validity. Study 2 (N = 261) showed that the relationships of the HSQ scales to the Big Five personality traits and subjective well-being (positive affect, negative affect, and life satisfaction) were consistently reduced (personality) or vanished (subjective well-being) when the non-humorous contexts in the HSQ items were controlled for. For the HSQ self-defeating scale, the pattern of relationships to personality was also altered, supporting an positive rather than a negative view of the humor in this humor style. The present findings thus call for a reevaluation of the role that humor plays in the HSQ (construct validity) and in the relationships to personality and well-being (criterion validity).
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Affiliation(s)
- Willibald Ruch
- Personality and Assessment, Department of Psychology, University of ZurichZurich, Switzerland
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Sirois FM, Molnar DS, Hirsch JK. A Meta–Analytic and Conceptual Update on the Associations between Procrastination and Multidimensional Perfectionism. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/per.2098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The equivocal and debated findings from a 2007 meta–analysis, which viewed perfectionism as a unidimensional construct, suggested that perfectionism was unrelated to procrastination. The present meta–analysis aimed to provide a conceptual update and reanalysis of the procrastination–perfectionism association guided by both a multidimensional view of perfectionism and self–regulation theory. The random–effects meta–analyses revealed a small to medium positive average effect size ( r = .23; k = 43, N = 10 000; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) [0.19, 0.27]) for trait procrastination and perfectionistic concerns and a small to medium negative average effect size ( r = −.22; k = 38, N = 9544; 95% CI [−0.26, −0.18]) for procrastination and perfectionistic strivings. The average correlations remained significant after statistically accounting for the joint variance between the two perfectionism dimensions via semi–partial correlations. For perfectionistic concerns, but not perfectionistic strivings, the effects depended on the perfectionism measure used. All effects did not vary by the trait procrastination measure used or the respondent's sex. Our findings confirm that from a multidimensional perspective, trait procrastination is both positively and negatively associated with higher–order perfectionism dimensions and further highlights the value of a self–regulation perspective for understanding the cognitive, affective and behavioural dynamics that characterise these traits. Copyright © 2017 European Association of Personality Psychology
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danielle S. Molnar
- Department of Child and Youth Studies, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON Canada
- Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY USA
| | - Jameson K. Hirsch
- Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN USA
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