Previous perfectionism measures have not been evaluated for use with clinical samples. This research examined the psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS), a 45-hem measure of self-oriented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed perfectionism. Study 1 provided normative data for various patient groups and demonstrated the stability of the MPS subscales in psychiatric patients. Study 2 showed that the MPS subscales have adequate concurrent validity, are not influenced by response biases, and that the items require a Grade 6-7 reading level. Overall, the MPS appears to be a useful measure for individuals with various clinical disorders. Historically, perfectionism has been associated with a variety of clinically relevant problems (eg., Adler, 1956; Homey, 1950); however, only recently have researchers begun to investigate the role of perfectionism in such disorders as depression (Hewitt &

The present study employed a multidimensional approach to examine the association between perfectionism and suicide threat. The present study also examined whether perfectionism variables predicted variance in suicide threat and suicide intention that is not accounted for by other well-known predictors (i.e. depression and hopelessness). A sample of 87 psychiatric patients completed the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, the MMPI Threat Suicide Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory. The Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale assesses self-oriented perfectionism, other-oriented perfectionism, and socially prescribed perfectionism. The analyses revealed that socially prescribed perfectionism was the only perfectionism dimension correlated significantly with suicide threat and intent. Moreover, hierarchical regression analyses showed that socially prescribed perfectionism predicted variance in suicide scores that was not accounted for by depression or hopelessness. Overall, the findings suggest that suicide potential is associated with a dispositional tendency to perceive that other people are unrealistic in their expectations for the self. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for intervention.

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