Factors within Multidimensional Perfectionism Scales: Complexity of relationships with Self-Esteem, Narcissism, Self-Control, and Self-Criticism

Each subscale of the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (Hewitt & Flett, 1991) was factor analyzed in an attempt to determine whether perfectionism is best described as a categorical or as a dimensional construct. Relationships with Self-Esteem, Narcissism, Self-Control, and Self-Criticism confirmed the existence of relatively more adaptive and maladaptive elements within each subscale. Partial correlations looking at the adaptive while controlling for the maladaptive elements (and vice versa) yielded even clearer contrasts between the two forms of perfectionism. Self-Criticism was especially important in defining maladaptive perfectionism, whereas adaptive perfectionism reflected more positive forms of Self-Esteem regulation. These data supported a dimensional interpretation of perfectionism.