Perfectionism in the self and social contexts: conceptualization, assessment, and association with psychopathology.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional psychometric validation and clinical correlational study (by design analogy).
PubMed 2027080 · doi:10.1037//0022-3514.60.3.456
What was done
The authors conceptualized perfectionism as a multidimensional construct comprising self-oriented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed perfectionism. Across four studies, they evaluated the multidimensionality, reliability, and validity of these dimensions. In a fifth study of 77 psychiatric patients, they assessed how these three perfectionism dimensions relate to indices of personality disorders and other psychological maladjustment.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical values, effect sizes, or test statistics. The authors report that the four studies confirmed the construct's multidimensionality and reliability/validity of assessment, and that in the 77 psychiatric patients, the three perfectionism dimensions related differentially to indices of personality disorders and psychological maladjustment.
Why it matters
This work established a multidimensional model and assessment framework for perfectionism, demonstrating that internal and socially oriented dimensions of perfectionism relate distinctly to psychopathological outcomes.
Limits
The abstract reports no quantitative metrics or effect sizes. Sample sizes and characteristics for the initial four validation studies are omitted. The clinical sample is small (n = 77) and cross-sectional, which limits generalizability and prevents causal inferences.
Cited by
- supports Perfectionism research divides perfectionism into distinct dimensions, including perfectionism directed at one's own standards and perfectionism directed toward others' standards.