A mediated model of perfectionism, affect, and physical health

Abstract

This study tested a structural model in which positive and negative affect mediate the relationship between perfectionism and physical health. A community sample of young adults completed questionnaires including the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS-H; Hewitt & Flett, 1991b), the Positive and Negative Affect States Survey (PANAS; Watson, Clark, & Tellegen, 1988) and items assessing three aspects of physical health. Results supported a structural model in which self-oriented perfectionism was associated with better physical health and this relationship was fully mediated by high positive affect and low negative affect. In contrast, socially prescribed perfectionism was associated with poorer physical health and this relationship was partially mediated by low positive affect and high negative affect. These findings are discussed in terms of the adaptive and maladaptive aspects of perfectionism within a general context of linkages between personality and health.