Perfectionism is increasing over time: A meta-analysis of birth cohort differences from 1989 to 2016.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Cross-temporal meta-analysis of observational cohort surveys (graded by design analogy, non-clinical CEBM)
PubMed 29283599 · doi:10.1037/bul0000138
What was done
The authors conducted a cross-temporal meta-analysis of 164 samples comprising 41,641 American, Canadian, and British college students (70.92% female, mean age = 20.66 years) who completed the Hewitt and Flett Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale between 1989 and 2016. The analysis examined linear temporal trends across self-oriented, socially prescribed, and other-oriented perfectionism while controlling for gender and between-country differences.
What was found
Levels of self-oriented perfectionism, socially prescribed perfectionism, and other-oriented perfectionism all increased linearly from 1989 to 2016. These linear trends remained significant after controlling for gender and country differences. In order of magnitude, the largest observed increase was in socially prescribed perfectionism (perceiving others demand perfection), followed by other-oriented perfectionism (demanding perfection of others), and self-oriented perfectionism (demanding perfection of oneself). Specific numerical slope coefficients and effect sizes were not reported in the abstract.
Why it matters
This study provides evidence of a generational shift toward higher perfectionistic standards among young adults over nearly three decades, highlighting increasing perceptions of social demands and self-expectations.
Limits
The findings are derived entirely from college student cohorts in three English-speaking Western nations and may not generalize to non-college populations or other cultural contexts. The sample was heavily female-skewed (70.92%). The cross-temporal design examines aggregate cohort averages over time rather than following individuals longitudinally, preventing causal inferences regarding cultural or economic mechanisms. Exact effect sizes were omitted from the abstract.
Cited by
- supports Perfectionism research divides perfectionism into distinct dimensions, including perfectionism directed at one's own standards and perfectionism directed toward others' standards.