Psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale

Abstract

Perfectionism is defined as the desire to achieve the highest standards of performance, in combination with unduly critical evaluations of one's performance. This study was designed to analyse the psychometric proprieties of the Portuguese version of the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale through confirmatory factor analysis in two different samples (calibration with 350 adolescent athletes and validation with 206 adolescent athletes). The confirmatory factor analysis suggested that after dropping items with low factor loadings, the six-factor model showed good fit (x2 = 292:83, B-S p < 0:001; x2=d f = 1.693, PCFI = 0.79, PGFI = 0.79, CFI = 0.96, GFI = 0.93, RMSEA = 0.045). All constructs presented good internal consistency, convergent and discriminant validity. A multi-group analysis exposed the cross validity of the model. The correlations between perfectionism, fear of failure and sport anxiety measures revealed evidence of its concurrent validity, providing evidence for the proposed model. Overall, the results of the present study provided evidence for these instruments' validity and reliability, however further investigations are required.