Perfectionism

Abstract

Perfectionism refers to a dispositional tendency to strive compulsively for perfection, set unrealistically high goals, and have overly negative reactions to perceived failures or setbacks. Since the early 1990s, interest in perfectionism has increased at an exponential rate, in large part due to Frost, Marten, Lahart, and Rosenblate's (1990) and Hewitt and Flett's (1991) models. These researchers propose perfectionism is best understood as a multidimensional personality trait composed of several distinct characteristics. And it is increasingly apparent that when Frost et al.'s (1990), and Hewitt and Flett's (1991), perfectionism models are factor analyzed the results indicate a two-factor solution. This model, known as the Two-Factor Model of Perfectionism, has sparked interest in subtypes of perfectionism, as well as clinical implications of perfectionism. The aim of our chapter is to provide a concise and informative review of each of these important areas of perfectionism research.