A Comparative Analysis of Perfectionism and the Density of Experiencing Catharsis

Abstract

In the present study we investigated the relationship between perfectionism and the density of experiencing catharsis among university students. The sample consisted of 662 university students at Near East University who completed the Catharsis Scale and the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale. Data were analyzed using regression and t test analyses. The results indicate that there was a significant difference in the catharsis scores of males and females, in favor of females; there was a significant difference in the relationship between the overall scores of experiencing catharsis and perfectionism; and there was a significant difference in the relationship between the overall catharsis scores and both concern over mistakes and doubt about actions subscales of perfectionism. However, there was no significant difference according to gender in the overall catharsis scores and personal standards, parental expectations, parental criticism, and organization subscales of perfectionism. Our findings are consistent with research results in the extant literature.