Trait perfectionism and perfectionistic self-presentation in personality pathology

Simon B. Sherry, Paul L. Hewitt, Gordon L. Flett, Dayna L. Lee-Baggley, Peter A. Hall

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

105 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Perfectionism is a vulnerability factor for distress that is considered either a form of personality pathology (PP) per se or an associated feature of PP. This study investigated trait perfectionism, perfectionistic self-presentation, and PP using two large samples and two leading models of PP (see APA, 1994; Livesley, Jackson, & Schroeder, 1992). Perceiving perfectionistic demands from others, promoting a perfect image to others, and concealing perceived imperfections from others were positively correlated with most forms of PP. In contrast, demanding perfection of oneself and demanding perfection from others were largely, but not entirely, unrelated to PP. Results also suggested that perfectionism dimensions provide unique information compared to each other and to the Big Five. For some domains of PP (e.g., Cluster C), perfectionism dimensions may operate as a central factor that drives core elements of the pathology. For other domains of PP (e.g., dissocial behavior), perfectionism may function as a peripheral feature that reinforces aspects of the pathology.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)477-490
Number of pages14
JournalPersonality and Individual Differences
Volume42
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2007
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • General Psychology

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Sherry, S. B., Hewitt, P. L., Flett, G. L., Lee-Baggley, D. L., & Hall, P. A. (2007). Trait perfectionism and perfectionistic self-presentation in personality pathology. Personality and Individual Differences, 42(3), 477-490. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2006.07.026