Perfectionism in the self and social contexts: Conceptualization, assessment, and association with psychopathology.

TLDR

The study aims to show that perfectionism is multidimensional, with personal and social components that contribute to severe psychopathology. The authors define three dimensions of perfectionism: self‑oriented, other‑oriented, and socially prescribed. Four studies confirm the multidimensional construct, validate reliable assessment, and demonstrate that the three dimensions relate differently to personality disorders and psychological maladjustment.

Abstract

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.