Positive and negative perfectionism and the shame/guilt distinction: adaptive and maladaptive characteristics

This study examined relationships among guilt, shame, pride, and perfectionism, with a college sample (N = 230). Research has linked shame and guilt to perfectionism, typically viewed as maladaptive. Some theories suggest guilt may be adaptive. The present study draws a distinction between two different kinds of perfectionism, positive and negative. Using Terry-Short, Owens, Slade, and Dewey’s (1995). PNP scale to measure positive (PP) and negative (NP) perfectionism, our results support the utility of distinguishing between positive and negative perfectionism. NP correlated positively with state-shame, state-guilt, and shame-proneness. PP demonstrated a positive correlation with pride and negative correlations to state shame and anxiety. These results imply that shame and guilt may differ; though guilt may not always be adaptive.