Self-oriented perfectionism, defense mechanisms and anxiety

Abstract

Relationships between multidimensional self-oriented perfectionism, defense mechanisms and anxiety were investigated. Participants were university students (n = 169: 68 men and 101 women). They completed the following questionnaires: Multidimensional Self-oriented Perfectionism Scale (MSPS), Defense Style Questionnaire 42 (DSQ42) and State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Path analysis indicated that Personal Standards positively affected mature defense mechanisms; and moreover, mature defense mechanisms had negative effect on trait anxiety. Moreover, Concern over Mistakes had a positive effect on immature defense mechanisms, and furthermore, immature defense mechanisms had positive effect on trait anxiety.View full abstract