Evaluative concerns, self-critical, and personal standards perfectionism: A structural equation modeling strategy.

Abstract

Freud (1926/1959) described the development of a harsh punitive superego that can be a driving force for superior achievement and conduct but also can result in little satisfaction in accomplishments and, through selfcriticism and vulnerability to failure, in an increased risk for depression and suicide (Blatt, 1995). Readers of this volume will undoubtedly reach two conclusions. First, consistent with Freud's speculations, perfectionism is related to a variety of adaptational outcomes-some that would typically be construed as negative and maladaptive with links to a variety of disorders, problems, and conflicts, and others as possibly positive and adaptive because they reflect competence and successful achievement. Second, more recent theoretical approaches construe perfectionism to be a multidimensional construct with different components related to maladaptive or adaptive correlates and consequences in different ways. This chapter examines the link between perfectionism components and distress in the context of links with factors such as daily stress, coping, and social support. Is the link between perfectionism components and psychological outcomes a direct link, or is it more indirect and mediated by constructs such as stressful events, coping styles or social support? This