This study explored whether trait competitiveness in late adolescence is more detrimental to females' than males' social and psychological adjustment. Two types of competitiveness were studied, competing to win (CW; to dominate others) and competing to excel (CE; to surpass personal goals). Questionnaire ratings (by self and others) of 110 (53 females, 57 males, Mage 17.9 years) predominantly Caucasian (88.9%) high school students in northern Texas, USA were gathered. Males were higher on CW than females, but there were no gender differences on CE. For females, CW was associated with greater depression and loneliness, and with fewer and less close friendships. CE was associated with higher self-esteem and less depression for both genders, but was largely unrelated to social adjustment.

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In this study we explored the associations between different combinations of the parenting characteristics of demands and warmth, and distinct dimensions of perfectionism. A secondary purpose was to examine whether or not these associations vary by gender. Results indicated that an authoritarian parenting style was associated with more maladaptive aspects of perfectionism (e.g., concerns about mistakes, doubting one's abilities), whereas authoritative parenting seemed to buffer individuals from these maladaptive aspects. In general, indulgent parenting was associated with fewer feelings of criticism from parents, whereas neglectful parenting was related to more feelings of criticism. None of the parenting styles, however, was related to adaptive perfectionism (e.g., personal standards, organization). Apart from a few noteworthy exceptions, patterns of association were similar for males and females.

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