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Positive and negative perfectionism

Authors:
L.A. Terry-Short
L.A. Terry-Short
L.A. Terry-Short
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Glynn Owens at University of Auckland
Glynn Owens
Peter D Slade at University of Lisbon
Peter D Slade
M.E. Dewey
M.E. Dewey
M.E. Dewey
  • This person is not on ResearchGate, or hasn't claimed this research yet.
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Abstract

Previous research into perfectionism has focused on clinical populations resulting in a bias towards a negativistic, pathologically inclined conceptualization. The present study investigated the possibility of distinguishing aspects of perfectionism on the basis of perceived consequences, mirroring a behavioural distinction between positive and negative reinforcement. A 40-item questionnaire, designed to measure perfectionism defined in terms of both positive and negative outcome, was administered to 281 women; a comparison group (N = 225), an eating disordered group (N = 21), a depressed group (N = 15) and successful athletes (N = 20). A factor analysis of the results extracted three factors; negative perfectionism including both personal and social items; positive personal perfectionism; and positive social perfectionism. Limiting the number of factors to two yielded a clear distinction between positive and negative perfectionism. Group comparisons yielded significance differences; for athletes high positive perfectionism was associated with a low negative perfectionism score; for the eating disorders group a high positive perfectionism score was associated with a high negative score. When analysed in terms of personal and social items the distinguishing factors were the negative and positive components, athletes and eating disordered groups obtaining comparably high positive personal perfectionism scores and the clinical groups obtaining comparably high negative perfectionism scores.
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PANPS
Please circle the appropriate number under the column which applies best to each of the
following statements. Ensure none are missed out. All replies are strictly confidential.
STRONGLY
AGREE
AGREE
DON’T
KNOW
DISAGREE
STRONGLY
DISAGREE
1.
When I start something I feel anxious that I
might fail.
5
4
3
2
1
2.
My family and friends are proud of me
when I do really well
5
4
3
2
1
3.
I take pride in being meticulous when doing
things.
5
4
3
2
1
4.
I set impossibly high standards for myself.
5
4
3
2
1
5.
I try to avoid the disapproval of others at all
costs.
5
4
3
2
1
6.
I like the acclaim I get for an outstanding
performance.
5
4
3
2
1
7.
When I am doing something I cannot relax
until it’s perfect.
5
4
3
2
1
8.
It feels as though my best is never good
enough for other people.
5
4
3
2
1
9.
Producing a perfect performance is a
reward in its own right.
5
4
3
2
1
10.
The problem of success is that I must work
even harder.
5
4
3
2
1
11.
If I make a mistake I feel that the whole
thing is ruined.
5
4
3
2
1
12.
I feel dissatisfied with myself unless I am
working towards a higher standard all the
time.
5
4
3
2
1
13.
I know the kind of person I ought or want to
be, but feel I always fall short of this.
5
4
3
2
1
14.
Other people respect me for my
achievements.
5
4
3
2
1
15.
As a child however well I did, it never
seemed good enough to please my parents.
5
4
3
2
1
16.
I think everyone loves a winner.
5
4
3
2
1
17
Other people expect nothing less than
perfection of me.
5
4
3
2
1
STRONGLY
AGREE
AGREE
DON’T
KNOW
DISAGREE
STRONGLY
DISAGREE
18.
When I’m competing against others, I’m
motivated by wanting to be the best.
5
4
3
2
1
19.
I feel good when pushing out the limits.
5
4
3
2
1
20.
When I achieve my goals I feel dissatisfied.
5
4
3
2
1
21.
My high standards are admired by others.
5
4
3
2
1
22.
If I fail people, I fear they will cease to
respect or care for me.
5
4
3
2
1
23.
I like to please other people by being
successful.
5
4
3
2
1
24.
I gain great approval from others by the
quality of my accomplishments.
5
4
3
2
1
25.
My successes spur me on to greater
achievements.
5
4
3
2
1
26.
I feel guilty or ashamed if I do less than
perfectly.
5
4
3
2
1
27.
No matter how well I do I never feel
satisfied with my performance.
5
4
3
2
1
28.
I believe that rigorous practice makes for
perfection.
5
4
3
2
1
29.
I enjoy the glory gained by successes.
5
4
3
2
1
30.
I gain deep satisfaction when I have
perfected something.
5
4
3
2
1
31.
I feel I have to be perfect to gain people’s
approval.
5
4
3
2
1
32.
My parents encouraged me to excel.
5
4
3
2
1
33.
I worry what others think if I make
mistakes.
5
4
3
2
1
34.
I get fulfilment from totally dedicating
myself to a task.
5
4
3
2
1
35.
I like it when others recognised that what I
do requires great skill and effort to perfect.
5
4
3
2
1
36.
The better I do, the better I am expected to
do by others.
5
4
3
2
1
37.
I enjoy working towards greater levels of
precision and accuracy.
5
4
3
2
1
38.
I would rather not start something than risk
doing it less than perfectly.
5
4
3
2
1
39.
When I do things I feel others will judge
critically the standard of my work.
5
4
3
2
1
40.
I like the challenge of setting very high
standards for myself.
5
4
3
2
1
... Perfectionism has long been seen as pathological, implying cognitive dysfunction characterized by dichotomous thinking, overgeneralization, and imperative attitude (Brown & Beck, 2002), but this perspective is reductionist, as adaptive aspects of this construct have also been identified (Terry-Short et al., 1995). Adaptive perfectionism focuses on strengths, positive outcomes, and positive rewards received because of perfectionistic behaviour -an example is found among athletes because they set high standards for themselves without excessive self-criticism (Burns et al., 2012;Rice & Ashby, 2007;Terry-Short et al., 1995). ...
... Perfectionism has long been seen as pathological, implying cognitive dysfunction characterized by dichotomous thinking, overgeneralization, and imperative attitude (Brown & Beck, 2002), but this perspective is reductionist, as adaptive aspects of this construct have also been identified (Terry-Short et al., 1995). Adaptive perfectionism focuses on strengths, positive outcomes, and positive rewards received because of perfectionistic behaviour -an example is found among athletes because they set high standards for themselves without excessive self-criticism (Burns et al., 2012;Rice & Ashby, 2007;Terry-Short et al., 1995). On the other hand, negative, neurotic perfectionism is a personality trait that is more related to fear of failure and avoidance of negative rewards (Burns et al., 2012), expressed by setting unrealistically high goals, a tendency that may originate from early environments characterized by inconsistency and conditional positive approval (Terry-Short et al., 1995). ...
... Adaptive perfectionism focuses on strengths, positive outcomes, and positive rewards received because of perfectionistic behaviour -an example is found among athletes because they set high standards for themselves without excessive self-criticism (Burns et al., 2012;Rice & Ashby, 2007;Terry-Short et al., 1995). On the other hand, negative, neurotic perfectionism is a personality trait that is more related to fear of failure and avoidance of negative rewards (Burns et al., 2012), expressed by setting unrealistically high goals, a tendency that may originate from early environments characterized by inconsistency and conditional positive approval (Terry-Short et al., 1995). ...
The role of workaholism and perfectionism in the relationship between self-esteem and life satisfaction
Article
  • May 2024
The present study aims to investigate the role of workaholism and perfectionism in the relationship between self-esteem and life satisfaction. The study was attended by 125 people aged between 20 and 60, M = 38.40, AS = 12.67, of which 39 men (31%), 85 women (68%), and a participant of another gender (1%). The instruments used were the Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965), the Satisfaction With Life Scale (Diener et al., 1985), the Dutch Work Addiction Scale (Taris & Schaufeli, 2003), the Perfectionism scale from IPIP-Ro (Iliescu et al., 2015). The results showed that self-esteem is a significant positive predictor of life satisfaction, but workaholism and perfectionism did not moderate the relationship between the two variables. The practical implications of the study were discussed, the ones for the research field in particular: highlighting the necessity of further studies on variables that moderate the relationship between self-esteem and life satisfaction; adapting psychological interventions regarding the chosen constructs to the cultural specificity of the Romanian population.
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... In the extant current study, perfectionism has been classified as positive perfectionism and negative perfectionism. The former is characterized by the pursuit of excellence and positive self-evaluation, while the latter is characterized by the fear of mistakes and negative evaluation (Terry-Short et al., 1995). Several studies have shown that the two types of perfectionism predict employee work outcomes in contrary paths (Kanten & Deniz, 2020;Stoeber & Rennert, 2008). ...
... As stressful demands reduces the well-being of the partner, and positive feelings following positive events may also cross over to the partner and have a positive effect on their well-being (Westman, 2001). According to the positive and negative characteristics of perfectionism, scholars have divided perfectionism into positive perfectionism and negative perfectionism (Terry-Short et al., 1995). Therefore, we contend that spouse and work-supportive resource in the family domain, but also increases employees' burden and stress (Zheng et al., 2022), which forces employees to devote more time and energy to family conflicts. ...
... The positive work attitude and behavior of spouses could promote employees' work engagement through the role learning model function. In contrast, negative perfectionism is characterized by the avoidance of failure and fear of negative evaluation (Terry-Short et al., 1995). Negative perfectionists tend to experience negative emotions when they fail to achieve their desired goals (Ekmekci et al., 2021). ...
The effects of spouse perfectionism on employee work engagement: a moderated mediation model
Article
Full-text available
  • Jul 2024
  • CURR PSYCHOL
Despite increasing interest in the effects of perfectionism in the workplace, there has been a lack of research on the cross-domain interpersonal influence of spouse perfectionism on employee work engagement. Drawing on crossover theory and conservation of resources theory, this study examines why and how spouse perfectionism can seep into the employee work domain. Specifically, this study explores whether spouse perfectionism correlates with employee work engagement via marital burnout and how this relationship is shaped by perceived boundary control. Through a three-wave questionnaire of 398 employees (study 1) and a matched questionnaire of 201 full-time couples (study 2), it was found that spouse positive perfectionism is positively associated with work engagement, while spouse negative perfectionism is negatively associated with work engagement. Moreover, marital burnout mediates the relationship between spouse perfectionism and employee work engagement, and employees’ perceived boundary control moderates the relationship between spouse perfectionism and employee work engagement. These findings shed light on the link between spouse personality and employee work outcomes and provide significant theoretical and managerial implications for improving employee work engagement.
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... Stoeber and Otto give an overview of the differing terminologies in use: "positive striving and maladaptive evaluative concern (Frost, Heinberg, Holt, Mattia & Neubauer, 1993), active and passive perfectionism (Adkins & Parker, 1996), positive and negative perfectionism (Terry-Short, Owens, Slade & Dewey, 1995), adaptive and maladaptive perfection- 20 They refer here to Horney, Neurosis and Human Growth and Missildine, Your Inner Child of the Past. 21 They refer here to Burns, "The Perfectionist's Script for Self-Defeat" and Pacht, "Reflections on Perfection." 22 Stoeber and Otto, "Positive Conceptions of Perfectionism: Approaches, Evidence, Challenges," 296. ...
... 28 They also employed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) 29 , "a general measure of severity of depression." 30 They discovered that "The [perfectionistic striving] factor was correlated with PA from the PANAS, while the [perfectionistic concerns] factor was correlated only with NA from the PANAS and the BDI." 31 The positive consequences of perfectionistic striving without perfectionistic concern are overwhelming: ...
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... Olumsuz mükemmeliyetçilik ile akademik başarı arasında ise negatif yönde anlamlı bir ilişki olduğu görülmüştür. Bu bulgu olumsuz mükemmeliyetçiliğin bireyin akademik motivasyonunu ve başarısını olumsuz yönde etkilediği yönündeki literatürdeki kuramsal bilgiler (Adler, 2004;Greenspon,2000) ve araştırma sonuçları (Short, Owens, Slade & Dewey, 1995;Stoeber & Rambow, 2007) ile benzeşmektedir. Olumsuz mükemmeliyetçilerin kendilerine ilişkin kuşkuları ya da onaylanmama, reddedilme korkuları yaptıkları işte yeterince başarılı olamamalarına neden olabilmektedir. ...
Öğrencilerin Olumlu ve Olumsuz Mükemmeliyetçilik Özellikleri ile Akademik Başarıları Arasındaki İlişkiler
Conference Paper
Full-text available
  • Nov 2010
Mükemmeliyetçilik genel olarak, kişinin performanslarında aşırı yüksek standartlar belirlemesi olarak tanımlanır. Gerçekçi olmayan aşırı derecede yüksek standartlar belirlemek, başarılarından tatmin olamamak, başarısızlık korkusu ile erteleme davranışında bulunmak mükemmeliyetçiliğin olumsuz boyutunu oluşturur. Ulaşılabilecek derecede yüksek standartlar belirlemek, esnek davranabilmek, başarılarından memnun olmak ve başarısızlık sonucunda yıkılmamak olumlu mükemmeliyetçilik boyutunda yer alan davranışlardır. Bu çalışmanın amacı öğrencilerin olumlu ve olumsuz mükemmeliyetçilik özellikleri ile akademik başarıları arasındaki ilişkileri incelemektir. Araştırma grubu Trabzon’daki 19 farklı ilköğretim okulunda öğrenim görmekte olan 1100 ilköğretim ikinci kademe öğrencisinden (kız=571, erkek=529) oluşmaktadır. Araştırmada Kırdök (2004) tarafından geliştirilen Olumlu ve Olumsuz Mükemmeliyetçilik Ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Verilerin analizi sonucunda, öğrencilerin akademik başarıları ile olumlu mükemmeliyetçilikleri arasında pozitif yönde (r=.14, p<.01), olumsuz mükemmeliyetçilikleri ile negatif yönde (r=-.15, p<.01) anlamlı ilişkiler bulunmuştur.
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... Respondents are asked to complete the questionnaire using a 5-point response format, indicating for each item either "strongly agree" (scored 5), "agree" (scored 4), "don't know" (scored 3), "disagree" (scored 2), or "strongly disagree" (scored 1). Scores for positive perfectionism and negative perfectionism, each with 20 questions, can range from 20 to 100, with higher values indicating greater positive and negative perfectionism, respectively (Terry- Short et al., 1995). ...
Self-esteem as a mediator between perfectionism and impostor syndrome among gifted students
Article
Full-text available
  • Sep 2024
In the socio-emotional development of the gifted, we can talk about some internal and external (endogenous and exogenous) characteristics of development. One of the intrinsic characteristics of development is that it is often uneven or asynchronous. In certain cases, their cognitive development greatly exceeds their affective development. The purpose of this study is to measure the prevalence of perfectionism, self-esteem and impostor syndrome and their connection among gifted students. Self-esteem assessment scales, positive and negative perfectionism and impostor syndrome were used for this purpose. The research sample is suitable and consists of 36 identified gifted students from secondary schools in the Republic of North Macedonia. The obtained results provide insights into the complex interaction between perfectionism, self-esteem and the impostor syndrome in gifted students. Results highlight the significant role of self-esteem as a mediator in the relationship between perfectionism and impostor syndrome.
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... Numerous models have been conceptualized about perfectionism (e.g., Frost et al., 1990;Hewitt & Flett, 1991;Terry-Short et al., 1995). One of the earliest models that have been used in sport settings has three dimensions (Hewitt & Flett, 1991). ...
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERFECTIONISM, BURNOUT AND PSYCHOLOGY OF REST IN COLLEGIATE STUDENT-ATHLETES
Thesis
Full-text available
  • Sep 2024
NCAA Division I collegiate student-athletes in the US compete at the highest college level. These high-level academic and sport-related demands can create perfectionistic tendencies. Prior literature shows that perfectionistic concerns are positively related to athlete burnout while perfectionistic strivings are negatively related. For the prevention of athlete burnout, physical and psychological rest has been recommended. However, there is no previous study that explored the relationship between perfectionism and psychological rest. Therefore, the present study aims to contribute to the existing literature in two ways. First, the relationship between perfectionism and athlete burnout in D-I collegiate athletes was explored. Second, the relationship between perfectionism and psychological rest was explored in these athletes. A sample of 295 D-I, female, team sport athletes participated. Athletes completed online questionnaires comprised of the Competitive Orientations Scale (Sport MPS-2), The Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ), and the Wakeful Resting Experiences Questionnaire. Four subsamples were identified from the scores on these measures: a pure evaluative concerns perfectionism group (n = 11), a mixed perfectionism group (n = 28), a non-perfectionism group (n = 23), and a pure personal standards perfectionism group (n = 18). Hypothesis 1 stated that burnout scores would be highest in the pure evaluative concerns perfectionism (ECP) group, second highest in the mixed perfectionism group, third highest in the non-perfectionism group, and lowest in the pure personal standards perfectionism (PSP) group. Hypothesis 2 stated that psychological resting experience scores would be highest in the pure PSP group, second highest in the non-perfectionism group, third highest in the mixed perfectionism group, and lowest in the pure ECP group. Two separate One-Way ANOVA tests were performed to test the hypotheses. Hypotheses were partially supported. The results showed that athletes with pure ECP and mixed perfectionism had significantly higher levels of athlete burnout compared to athletes with non-perfectionism and pure PSP. Moreover, athletes with non-perfectionism reported significantly greater recent engagement in psychological resting experiences compared to athletes with mixed perfectionism. This study contributes to the literature by furthering the research on perfectionism and burnout and being a pioneer in research on the relationship between perfectionism and psychological rest.
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... Thanks to them, individuals take pleasure in striving for excellence while acknowledging their limitations (Ogurlu, 2020;Schuler, 2000). Thus, this perfectionist drive may be psychologically and educationally desirable for exceptionally gifted students and have a positive impact on their grades, perceived self-efficacy and social relationships (Andrews et al., 2014;Stoeber & Rambow, 2007;Stricker et al., 2019;Terry-Short et al., 1995;Wang et al., 2012). Despite this, and as Mofield and Parker (2018) argue, the question of whether perfectionism is a trait that gifted people show to a greater extent is currently a controversial issue among experts, due to the relationship it has with high performance and excellence, although this is not always manifested in people with exceptional ability (Sastre-Riba & Fonseca-Pedrero, 2019). ...
Is Perfectionism an Exclusive Characteristics of Gifted Students? Systematic Review
Article
Full-text available
  • Feb 2024
Actualmente, existe un gran interés por analizar el perfeccionismo como un rasgo especialmente característico de las personas con altas capacidades (AA.CC). Sin embargo, la evidencia científica ha aportado resultados heterogéneos y poco concluyentes, lo que podría deberse a la naturaleza multidimensional de dicho constructo, que comprende, tanto el perfeccionismo negativo (PN) como el perfeccionismo positivo (PP). Estado del arte: la presente revisión sistemática pretende profundizar si el perfeccionismo es una característica definitoria y exclusiva del estudiantado superdotado. Conclusiones: según los criterios de la declaración PRISMA, solo diez publicaciones cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Los resultados obtenidos fueron poco concluyentes, ya que en algunos trabajos se encontraron diferencias significativas en perfeccionismo entre el grupo de AA.CC. vs. no superdotados, mientras que en otros no se encontraron diferencias
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... This scale was developed by Terry-Short et al. (1995) and consists of two sub-scales, each comprising 20 questions [40]. These sub-scales assess positive and negative perfectionism, with each sub-scale containing 20 questions. ...
Unraveling symptom interplay: a network analysis of procrastination in gifted students
Article
Full-text available
  • Jun 2024
Background This study explores the intricate web of symptoms experienced by academically gifted high school students, focusing on procrastination, rumination, perfectionism, and cognitive flexibility. The well-being of these gifted adolescents remains a pivotal concern, and understanding the dynamics of these symptoms is vital. Methods A diverse sample of 207 academically gifted high school students from Mashhad, Iran, participated in this study. Using convenience sampling, participants from grades 10, 11, and 12 were included, with detailed assessments conducted through questionnaires measuring the mentioned symptoms. Results Our network analysis uncovers compelling insights into the interplay of these symptoms: Procrastination, though moderately central, exerts significant influence within the network, underscoring its relevance. Cognitive flexibility, while centrally positioned, curiously exhibits a negative influence, potentially serving as a protective factor. Negative perfectionism emerges as the keystone symptom, with both high centrality and a positive influence. Rumination displays substantial centrality and a positive influence, indicating its role in symptom exacerbation. Positive perfectionism, moderately central, lacks direct influence on other symptoms. Conclusion This network analysis provides a nuanced understanding of the relationships among procrastination, rumination, perfectionism, and cognitive flexibility in academically gifted adolescents. Negative perfectionism and cognitive flexibility emerge as critical factors deserving attention in interventions aimed at enhancing the well-being of this unique group. Further research should explore causal relationships to refine targeted interventions.
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The relationship between perfectionism and self-esteem in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Article
Full-text available
  • Sep 2024
  • BEHAV COGN PSYCHOTH
Background:Perfectionism dimensions, including perfectionistic strivings and perfectionistic concerns, have a significant positive association with psychopathology. Clinical perfectionism is defined as when an individual’s self-esteem is excessively reliant on meeting high standards despite negative consequences. Numerous studies have found that higher perfectionistic concerns correlate with lower self-esteem; however, evidence for the association with perfectionistic strivings has been mixed. Aims:The focus of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to inform theoretical understanding of the relationships between perfectionism dimensions and self-esteem in adults. Method:A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline, PsycINFO, PsychARTICLES, ProQuest Central, and Scopus on 31 May 2023. Results:There were 83 articles included, with 32,304 participants (Mage=∼24.66 years). There was a significant negative moderate pooled association between self-esteem and perfectionistic concerns, r=–.42, 95% CI [–0.47 to –0.38]. A significant negligible positive pooled association was found between self-esteem and perfectionistic strivings, r=.06, 95% CI [0.01 to 0.11]. Results indicate higher perfectionistic concerns is associated with lower self-esteem, providing indirect support for the cognitive-behavioural model of clinical perfectionism. Conclusions:Future research should compare cognitive behaviour therapy for perfectionism to treatments for low self-esteem on outcomes of perfectionistic concerns and psychopathology.
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Why do perfectionists procrastinate (or not)? Exploring the interaction between perfectionism dimensions through self-determination theory
Article
  • Aug 2024
  • APPL PSYCHOL-INT REV
Research on perfectionism and workplace procrastination has typically examined perfectionism through two dimensions: perfectionist strivings (PS) and perfectionist concerns (PC), which are inversely associated with procrastination. Recognizing that these two dimensions often coexist in varying degrees within individuals, our study conducted an interaction analysis to elucidate the associations between individual dimensions and their combined presence across four distinct perfectionism profiles. Based on self-determination theory, we examined the interaction between the two dimensions on procrastination through three psychological mediators: autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, and psychological distress. In a three-wave study involving 376 employees, we observed that the associations between PS and mediators vary with the level of PC, thus responding to the contentious debate of whether PS are beneficial. Additionally, we employed a three-way interaction analysis to explore how different profiles of perfectionism react under external performance pressure, particularly in relation to their levels of procrastination. As ambitious perfectionists (high PS, low PC) emerged as the optimal profile under stressors, our study further identified the particularly beneficial role of PS, especially in the presence of stressors. Our analyses shed new light on the relationships between trait perfectionism and workplace procrastination behavior. We discussed theoretical and practical implications.
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Reflections on perfection
Article
Full-text available
  • Apr 1984
Asserts that perfection is an undesirable and debilitating goal and that striving for nonexistent perfection keeps people in turmoil and is associated with a number of psychological problems. Human qualities come from imperfection, from defects that define unique personalities and create real people. The psychopathological aspects of perfectionists are described, focusing on mental distortions and the distinction between perfectionists and neurotic perfectionists. Individual and group treatment techniques are outlined. (11 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
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Perfectionism in the Self and Social Contexts: Conceptualization, Assessment, and Association With Psychopathology
Article
Full-text available
  • Mar 1991
This article attempted to demonstrate that the perfectionism construct is multidimensional, comprising both personal and social components, and that these components contribute to severe levels of psychopathology. We describe three dimensions of perfectionism: self-oriented perfectionism, other-oriented perfectionism, and socially prescribed perfectionism. Four studies confirm the multidimensionality of the construct and show that these dimensions can be assessed in a reliable and valid manner. Finally, a study with 77 psychiatric patients shows that self-oriented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed perfectionism relate differentially to indices of personality disorders and other psychological maladjustment. A multidimensional approach to the study of perfectionism is warranted, particularly in terms of the association between perfectionism and maladjustment.
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The spouse who is a perfectionist
Article
  • Jan 1983
  • Med Aspect Hum Sex
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Development and validation of a multidimensional eating disorder inventory for anorexia nervosa and bulimia
Article
  • Jan 1982
The development and validation of a new measure, the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) is described. The EDI is a 64 item, self-report, multiscale measure designed for the assessment of psychological and behavioral traits common in anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia. The EDI consists of eight subscales measuring: Drive for Thinness, Bilimia, Body Dissatisfaction, Ineffectiveness, Perfectionism, Interpersonal Distrust, Interoceptive Awareness and Maturity Fears. Reliability (internal consistency) is established for all subscales and several indices of validity are presented. First, AN patients (N=113) are differentiated from femal comparison (FC) subjects (N=577) using a cross-validation procedure. Secondly, patient self-report subscale scores agree with clinician ratings of subscale traits. Thirdly, clinically recovered AN patients score similarly to FCs on all subscales. Finally, convergent and discriminant validity are established for subscales. The EDI was also administered to groups of normal weight bulimic women, obese, and normal weight but formerly obese women, as well as a male comparison group. Group differences are reported and the potential utility of the EDI is discussed.
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Psychodynamics of normal and neurotic perfectionsm
Article
  • Feb 1978
  • Psychology
Discusses the characteristics, antecedents, and behavioral symptoms of normal and neurotic perfectionism. Normal perfectionists set realistic standards for themselves, derive pleasure from their painstaking labors, and are capable of choosing to be less precise in certain situations. Neurotic perfectionists, on the other hand, demand of themselves a usually unattainable level of performance, experience their efforts as unsatisfactory, and are unable to relax their standards. The development of neurotic perfectionism tends to occur in 1 of 2 kinds of emotive environments: (a) nonapproval or inconsistent approval in which parents fail to establish explicit performance standards for the child, or (b) parental expressions of conditional positive approval far exceed those of unconditional positive approval. Normal perfectionism tends to develop through either positive modeling (the close identification of the child with an emotionally important person) or negative modeling (the child rejects the behavior of an emotionally important person). Some symptoms describe both normal and neurotic perfectionists, but neurotic perfectionists experience them with greater intensity and for a longer duration. Four specific goals are stated which have proven useful in helping clients to change their neurotic perfectionism. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
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Running and anorexia nervosa: An empirical study
Article
  • Nov 1987
  • INT J EAT DISORDER
It has been suggested that long-distance runners may show characteristics similar to those of patients suffering from anorexia nervosa. The present study attempted to obtain objective data pertaining to this issue by circulating to female marathon runners a questionnaire known to relate to personality characteristics associated with anorexia nervosa. On the scale of “Perfectionism” assessed by the questionnaire, the runners did indeed resemble anorexic patients in their scores. However, unlike the anorexic patients, runners did not appear to suffer as a result; their “Dissatisfaction” scores resembled those of normal individuals. It is concluded that, although superficial similarities exist between anorexics and runners, these do not reflect similarities at a more fundamental, causal level.
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The Dimensions of Perfectionism
Article
  • Oct 1990
Perfectionism is a major diagnostic criterion for one DSM-III diagnosis, and it has been hypothesized to play a major role in a wide variety of psychopathologies. Yet there is no precise definition of, and there is a paucity of research on, this construct. Based on what has been theorized about perfectionism, a multidimensional measure was developed and several hypotheses regarding the nature of perfectionism were tested in four separate studies. The major dimension of this measure was excessive concern over making mistakes. Five other dimensions were identified, including high personal standards, the perception of high parental expectations, the perception of high parental criticism, the doubting of the quality of one's actions, and a preference for order and organization. Perfectionism and certain of its subscales were correlated with a wide variety of psychopathological symptoms. There was also an association between perfectionism and procrastination. Several subscales of the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS), personal standards and organization, were associated with positive achievement striving and work habits. The MPS was highly correlated with one of the existing measures of perfectionism. Two other existing measures were only moderately correlated with the MPS and with each other. Future studies of perfectionism should take into account the multidimensional nature of the construct.
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A comparison of two measures of perfection
Article
  • Jan 1993
  • PERS INDIV DIFFER
This study compares two recently developed measures of perfectionism. College students completed the Frost, Marten, Lahart and Rosenblate (1990; Cognitive Therapy and Research, 14, 449–468) Multidimensional Perfectionsim Scale and the Hewitt and Flett (1991; Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 60, 456–470) scale of the same name. Their relationship to each other, as well as to measures of affect, were examined. There was considerable overlap in the two measures of perfectionism. Frost et al.'s Total Perfectionism score appears to reflect a global dimension of perfectionism which is correlated with Hewitt and Flett's Self-Oriented and Socially-Prescribed scales, and less closely related to the Other-Oriented scale. Frost et al.'s Personal Standards scale was most closely associated with Hewitt and Flett's Self-Oriented Perfectionism scale. Frost et al.'s Concern over Mistakes, Parental Expectations and Parental Criticism scales were independently correlated with Hewitt and Flett's Socially-Prescribed Perfectionism scale. The subscales from each measure showed differential relationships with measures of positive and negative affect. Those dimensions which have been found to be related to symptoms of psychopathology were most closely related to negative affect (e.g. Concern over Mistakes, Socially- Prescribed Perfectionism), while those which have been found to be related to more “healthy” characteristics were associated with positive affect (e.g. Personal Standards, Other-Oriented Perfectionism). A factor analysis using the 9 subscales resulted in a conceptually clean two-factor solution. The first of these reflected maladaptive evaluation concerns, and the second reflected positive achievement strivings. The implications of these findings for the understanding of the construct of perfectionism are discussed.
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Self-oriented perfectionism, neuroticism and anxiety
Article
  • Dec 1989
  • PERS INDIV DIFFER
Although research suggest that individual differences in perfectionism are related differentially to adjustment, many correlates of the perfectionism construct remain to be investigated. The present study investigated whether individual differences in perfectionism are related to neuroticism and anxiety. The present study also investigated the possible mediating role of life stress on the association between these constructs. A sample of 162 subjects completed the Perfectionism Scale, the Social Readjustment Rating Scale, the Eysenck Personality Inventory, and the State-Trait Anxiety Scale. Correlational analyses revealed that perfectionism was correlated marginally with neuroticism. A stronger correlation was present between perfectionism and trait anxiety. Regression analyses suggested that the interaction of perfectionism and high life stress predicted neuroticism and trait anxiety. The implications of the current findings are discussed.
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