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Academic and Emotional Determinants of Perfectionism

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 831116

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. José M. García-Fernández

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Guest Editor

Department of Developmental Psychology and Teaching, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
Interests: school anxiety; perfectionism; school refusal; affect; validation; cluster analysis; factorial invariance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Maria Vicent

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Guest Editor

Department of Developmental Psychology and Teaching, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
Interests: perfectionism; aggression behaviour; academic self-attributions; children; adolescents; school

Dr. Ricardo Sanmartín

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Guest Editor

1. Department of Developmental Psychology and Teaching, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
2. Faculty of Education, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
Interests: educational psychology; validation; affect; childhood; factorial invariance

Dr. Carolina Gonzálvez

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Guest Editor

Department of Developmental Psychology and Teaching, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
Interests: school attendance problems; school refusal; school absenteeism; school dropout; emotional well-being; psychoeducational variables; children; adolescent

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The frenetic pace of life today and excessive levels of competitiveness and meritocratic culture can create a fertile terrain for the emergence of perfectionist tendencies. Perfectionism is considered to be a multidimensional and multicausal trait of personality associated to the development and maintenance of a large amount of psychological problems and disorders. Recent studies show high rates of maladaptive perfectionism even in the young population, and they warn that it is a problem that, instead of decreasing, appears to be growing. Currently, it is a well-known fact that perfectionism is not just a problem of the adult world but is present from an early age. In the same way, its impact goes beyond the clinical population and also generates psychological anguish in the general population, seriously disrupting their emotional wellbeing and the development of different important areas, such as the academic field.

This Special Issue is open to the submission of theoretical, meta-analytical, and empirical (either qualitative or quantitative) papers focused on the emotional and/or the academic impact of perfectionism. Studies aimed at these topics using innovative research methods are most welcome.

Dr. José M. García-Fernández
Dr. Maria Vicent
Dr. Ricardo Sanmartín
Dr. Carolina Gonzálvez
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

perfectionism
emotional well-being
emotional problems
academic development
school problems
psychoeducational variables
children
adolescents
adults

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 1392 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Protective Role of Self-Compassion in the Relationship between Perfectionism and Burnout in Portuguese Medicine and Dentistry Students

by Ana Telma Pereira, Maria João Brito, Carolina Cabaços, Mário Carneiro, Frederica Carvalho, Andreia Manão, Ana Araújo, Daniela Pereira and António Macedo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 2740; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19052740 - 26 Feb 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5145

Abstract

Recent studies have documented the high prevalence of burnout among medicine and dentistry students, with potentially catastrophic consequences for both students and patients. Both environmental and personality factors play a part in burnout; perfectionism, a common trait in medicine students’ personalities, has been linked to psychological distress and increasing students’ vulnerability to burnout. Self-compassion, i.e., treating oneself kindly through hardship, has recently emerged as a buffer between perfectionism and psychological distress. While using a novel three-factor conceptualization of perfectionism (BIG3), this study aims to analyze if self-compassion has a protective role in the relationship between perfectionism and burnout, in a sample of medicine and dentistry students, through mediation analysis. We found that self-compassion significantly mediated the relationship between all three forms of perfectionism and burnout: as a partial mediator in self-critical and rigid perfectionism, as well as a full mediator in narcissistic perfectionism. Our findings underline self-compassion’s relevance in burnout prevention and management, supporting its use as an intervention target in burnout reduction programs and strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Academic and Emotional Determinants of Perfectionism)

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12 pages, 729 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trait Emotional Intelligence and Happiness of Young Adults: The Mediating Role of Perfectionism

by Siti Khadijah Zainal Badri, Min Yao Kong, Wan Mohd Azam Wan Mohd Yunus, Nor Akmar Nordin and Wai Meng Yap

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(20), 10800; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182010800 - 14 Oct 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 762707

Abstract

Perfectionism or a tendency to aim for an unrealistic standard can impair happiness. However, the potential mechanisms of perfectionism to explain the association between trait emotional intelligence (EI) and happiness are still understudied. This study explores the mediating role of perfectionism in the relationship between trait emotional intelligence (EI) and happiness among young adults. A cross-sectional sample of 259 young adults aged between 18 to 35 years old was recruited. All analyses were conducted using SPSS and AMOS Structural Equation Modeling. High trait EI was linked to low perfectionism and high happiness levels. Furthermore, perfectionism mediated the relationship between trait EI and happiness. Although high trait EI lowered maladaptive perfectionism, the negative impact of maladaptive perfectionism remained and subsequently led to decreasing happiness levels of young adults. This study offers an enhanced understanding of the role of perfectionism in explaining the happiness state of young adults. Moreover, it provides practical implications for using trait EI and managing perfectionism tendency to manage the happiness and wellbeing of the young adult population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Academic and Emotional Determinants of Perfectionism)

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16 pages, 729 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perfectionism, Motives, and Barriers to Exercise from a Person-Oriented Approach

by María Vicent, Ricardo Sanmartín, Carolina Gonzálvez, Oswaldo Vásconez-Rubio and José Manuel García-Fernández

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 8125; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18158125 - 31 Jul 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2760

Abstract

Perfectionism is considered to be a significant personality factor within the sport and exercise field. However, very little is known about the reasons why individuals with different perfectionistic tendencies engage or not in physical activity. This study aims, from a person-oriented approach, to analyze if participation motives and barriers may differ among four perfectionistic profiles: Non-Perfectionists (low perfectionistic strivings, PS, and perfectionistic concerns, PC), Adaptive Perfectionists (high PS and low PC), Maladaptive Perfectionists (high PS and PC), and Moderate Perfectionists (moderate PS and PC). A sample composed of 597 (M_age = 22.08, SD = 3.33) undergraduates enrolled in a sport science degree from Ecuador participated in this study. Non-Perfectionists reported lower levels of motives, whereas Adaptive and Maladaptive Perfectionists reported higher scores on all participation motives. Significant and positive correlations were found between PS and both autonomous and controlled motives, whereas PC was positively correlated with controlled reasons and only significantly correlated with some autonomous reasons by the effect of PS. In terms of barriers, Maladaptive Perfectionists reported significantly higher scores on all barriers analyzed in comparison with the other three profiles, with moderate and large effect sizes. The results of the bivariate and partial correlations suggest that these inter-profile differences were explained by PC. Considering the results, it is advised to develop strategies to identify Maladaptive Perfectionists in order to increase their intrinsic reasons for practicing physical exercise, and to minimize their perceived barriers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Academic and Emotional Determinants of Perfectionism)

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23 pages, 430 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Studyholism and Study Engagement: What about the Role of Perfectionism, Worry, Overstudy Climate, and Type of School in Adolescence?

by Yura Loscalzo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(3), 910; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18030910 - 21 Jan 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3958

Abstract

This study aims to deepen the analysis of Studyholism (or obsession toward study) on a sample of 793 Italian adolescents (Mage = 16.30 ± 1.73; 53% boys). A path analysis model including potential antecedents (i.e., worry, study-related perfectionism, perfectionistic strivings and concerns, overstudy climate, type of school) and outcomes (e.g., grade point average, time spent studying, psychological well-being) of Studyholism was tested. In line with previous findings on college students, this study supported the conceptualization of problematic overstudying as an OCD-related disorder, since worry is the strongest predictor of Studyholism. Moreover, among the main findings, it confirmed that Studyholism is associated with negative academic outcomes, while Study Engagement predicts positive academic outcomes. Finally, it also confirmed that both Studyholism and Study Engagement predict social impairment. In conclusion, preventive interventions to favor students’ academic success and well-being should reduce perfectionistic concerns and study-related perfectionism and enhance time management skills (in Engaged students too). For reducing Studyholism, instead, the primary target should be trait worry. Finally, preventive interventions should be implemented across all the school types and possibly during childhood or pre-adolescence to avoid the increase in psychological and social impairment that has been found to be associated with Studyholism in youths. It is also essential to detect potential early risk indicators (especially among individual factors) of Studyholism in childhood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Academic and Emotional Determinants of Perfectionism)

12 pages, 356 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychometric Properties of the Perfectionism Cognitions Inventory in Ecuador

by María Pilar Aparicio-Flores, María Vicent, Ricardo Sanmartín, Carolina Gonzálvez, Roberto Ovidio Freire-Andino and José Manuel García-Fernández

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(16), 5834; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17165834 - 12 Aug 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2384

Abstract

Perfectionistic Automatic Thoughts (PATs) are currently being studied due to their association with maladaptive variables. This study aims to validate the Spanish version of the Perfectionism Cognitions Inventory (PCI) in a sample of Ecuadorian undergraduates as well as to analyze latent mean differences across sex. The sample was composed by 3060 undergraduates (M_age = 22.7, SD = 2.46). The Spanish model of the PCI composed by 17 items divided into three first-order dimensions (perfectionistic concerns, strivings, and demands) and a second-order factor was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. Acceptable levels of reliability and factorial invariance across sex were observed. Higher latent mean scores for males in comparison with females in the second-order factor of the PCI were found. The three dimensions of the PCI significantly and positively correlated with interpersonal difficulties. Overall, results demonstrate that the Spanish version of the PCI is a valid and reliable measure to evaluate PATs in Ecuadorian undergraduates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Academic and Emotional Determinants of Perfectionism)

32 pages, 536 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multidimensional Models of Perfectionism and Procrastination: Seeking Determinants of Both

by Allison P. Sederlund, Lawrence R. Burns and William Rogers

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(14), 5099; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17145099 - 15 Jul 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 7485

Abstract

Background: Perfectionism is currently conceptualized using a multidimensional model, with extensive research establishing the presence of both maladaptive and adaptive forms. However, the potential adaptability of procrastination, largely considered as a maladaptive construct, and its possible developmental connection to perfectionism remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the individual differences of the multidimensional models of both perfectionism and procrastination, as well as investigating potential links between the two constructs. Methods: A convenience sample of 206 undergraduate students participated in this study. Participants completed a questionnaire consisting of 236 questions regarding the variables under investigation. Results: The adaptive model of procrastination yielded largely insignificant results and demonstrated limited links with adaptive perfectionism, while maladaptive procrastination was consistently associated with maladaptive perfectionism, lending further evidence of a unidimensional model of procrastination. Conclusions: Many previous findings regarding the multidimensional model of perfectionism were replicated, along with new contributions focusing on the dual-process model and temporal orientation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Academic and Emotional Determinants of Perfectionism)

15 pages, 784 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Does Perfectionism Influence the Development of Psychological Strengths and Difficulties in Children?

by Silvia Melero, Alexandra Morales, José Pedro Espada, Iván Fernández-Martínez and Mireia Orgilés

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(11), 4081; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17114081 - 8 Jun 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 7373

Abstract

This study aimed to examine differences in gender, age, and psychopathology, according to the perfectionism level, and to analyze how perfectionism dimensions contribute to the development of psychological strengths and difficulties in children. Participants were 319 Spanish students (52.4% girls) between 7 and 11 years old (M = 9.38, SD = 1.15). Children completed self-reported measures of perfectionism and psychological strengths and difficulties. The sample was divided into groups based on the perfectionism level (high, medium, and low). A one-way ANOVA (Analysis of variance), t-test, Pearson correlations, and 3-step hierarchical regression analyses were run. Results showed that 27.6% of the children belonged to the high perfectionism group, characterized by an elevated Socially Prescribed Perfectionism (SPP). Compared to girls, boys presented higher scores in all perfectionism measures. The younger children presented higher SPP and lower Self-oriented Perfectionism-Critical (SOP-Critical) than the older group. High perfectionism was related to psychological problems. The SOP-Critical increased the likelihood of developing emotional symptoms and total difficulties, and SPP was associated with behavioral and peer problems. In contrast, Self-oriented Perfectionism-Striving (SOP-Striving) was related to greater prosocial behavior. This research has important implications for the design of transdiagnostic strategies targeting the prevention and intervention of psychological difficulties in schoolchildren. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Academic and Emotional Determinants of Perfectionism)

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8 pages, 488 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Profiles of Perfectionistic Ruminations in Undergraduates: Impact on the Spontaneous Use of Mental Images

by María Pilar Aparicio-Flores, José María Esteve-Faubel, Rosa Pilar Esteve-Faubel and Lucía Granados-Alós

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(10), 3488; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17103488 - 16 May 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2353

Abstract

Perfectionistic Automatic Thoughts (PAT) negatively affects people who present it. Hence the importance of their study to determine possible ways of reduction. The current study tried to identify PAT profiles and specify the statistically significant differences in the Spontaneous Use of Mental Imaging in 647 undergraduates. For this the Perfectionism Cognitions Inventory and the Spontaneous Use of Imagery Scale were used. The cluster analyses showed three groups of PATs; low (LPAT), moderate (MPAT) and high (HPAT). An analysis of variance revealed moderate size differences in the visual-spatial capacity as well as in the total of the Spontaneous Use of Mental Images for MPAT and LPAT. Implications for the training of future teachers related to the use of mental imagery that can reduce maladaptive PAT are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Academic and Emotional Determinants of Perfectionism)

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12 pages, 592 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perfectionism Profiles and Motivation to Exercise Based on Self-Determination Theory

by María Vicent, Ricardo Sanmartín, Oswaldo Vásconez-Rubio and José Manuel García-Fernández

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(9), 3206; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17093206 - 5 May 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4118

Abstract

This study complements extant variable-centered research that focus on the relationship between perfectionism and the autonomous and controlled motivation to exercise. A person-centered approach is used for identifying perfectionism profiles as well as analyzing inter-profile differences in terms of the six regulatory styles located on the autonomy-control continuum. A sample of 597 (M_age = 22.08, SD = 3.33) Ecuadorian undergraduates enrolled in a sport science degree program was employed. Latent Profile Analysis based on two higher-order perfectionism dimensions, Perfectionistic Strivings (PS) and Perfectionistic Concerns (PC), supported a four-class solution: Non-Perfectionists (low PS and PC), Adaptive Perfectionists (high PS and low PC), Maladaptive Perfectionists (high PS and PC), and Moderate Perfectionists (moderate PS and PC). Adaptive Perfectionists obtained the highest means on Intrinsic, Integrated, and Identified regulations. However, these differences where only significant when compared with Moderate Perfectionists, and only in the case of Integrated regulation, in comparison with Non-Perfectionists. In contrast, Maladaptive Perfectionists obtained significantly higher scores on Introjected and External regulations as well as on Amotivation than the other three classes. Results are discussed in light of Self-Determination Theory. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Academic and Emotional Determinants of Perfectionism)

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24 pages, 1703 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Structural Equation Model of Achievement Emotions, Coping Strategies and Engagement-Burnout in Undergraduate Students: A Possible Underlying Mechanism in Facets of Perfectionism

by Jesús de la Fuente, Francisca Lahortiga-Ramos, Carmen Laspra-Solís, Cristina Maestro-Martín, Irene Alustiza, Enrique Aubá and Raquel Martín-Lanas

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(6), 2106; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17062106 - 22 Mar 2020

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 8141

Abstract

Achievement emotions that the university student experiences in the learning process can be significant in facilitating or interfering with learning. The present research looked for linear and predictive relations between university students’ achievement emotions, coping strategies, and engagement-burnout, in three different learning situations (classroom, study time, and testing). Hypotheses were identified for a possible model that would analyze the two facets of perfectionism based on these relations. In the case of perfectionistic strivings, the test hypothesis was that positive emotions would predispose the use of problem-focused coping strategies and an emotional state of engagement; in the case of perfectionistic concerns, however, negative emotions would predispose the use of emotion-focused strategies and a state of burnout. A total of 654 university students participated in the study, using an online tool to complete validated questionnaires on the three study variables. All students provided informed consent and corresponding permissions. Given the ex-post facto linear design, the predictions could be verified for each situation by means of logistic regression analyses and Structural Equations Models (SEM). Empirical results lent support, in varying degree, to the proposed theoretical relations. The testing situation was of particular interest. We discuss implications for perfectionism research and for the practice of prevention, education and health care in the university setting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Academic and Emotional Determinants of Perfectionism)

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Review

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13 pages, 1572 KiB

Open AccessReview

Impact of Educational Technology on Teacher Stress and Anxiety: A Literature Review

by José-María Fernández-Batanero, Pedro Román-Graván, Miguel-María Reyes-Rebollo and Marta Montenegro-Rueda

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(2), 548; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020548 - 11 Jan 2021

Cited by 80 | Viewed by 23453

Abstract

Educational technology has become an increasingly important element for improving the teaching and learning process of students. To achieve these goals, it is essential that teachers have the skills they need to be able to introduce technology into their teaching practice. However, this is often overwhelming and stressful for many of them. The aim of this review was to find out how research on teacher stress and anxiety associated with the use of educational technology was proceeding. A systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines through the following bibliographic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Sixteen articles were found from the review. The main findings show that teachers present high levels of anxiety or stress due to their use of educational technology in the classroom. Among the conclusions, the need for research on different strategies to prevent the emergence of these anxiety and stress symptoms in teachers stands out. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Academic and Emotional Determinants of Perfectionism)

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