Perfectionism and the Five-Factor Model of Personality: A Meta-Analytic Review

Abstract

Over 25 years of research suggests an important link between perfectionism and personality traits included in the five-factor model (FFM). However, inconsistent findings, underpowered studies, and a plethora of perfectionism scales have obscured understanding of how perfectionism fits within the FFM. We addressed these limitations by conducting the first meta-analytic review of the relationships between perfectionism dimensions and FFM traits ( k = 77, N = 24,789). Meta-analysis with random effects revealed perfectionistic concerns (socially prescribed perfectionism, concern over mistakes, doubts about actions, and discrepancy) were characterized by neuroticism ([Formula: see text] = .50), low agreeableness ([Formula: see text] = −.26), and low extraversion ([Formula: see text] = −.24); perfectionistic strivings (self-oriented perfectionism, personal standards, and high standards) were characterized by conscientiousness ([Formula: see text] = .44). Additionally, several perfectionism–FFM relationships were moderated by gender, age, and the perfectionism subscale used. Findings complement theory suggesting that perfectionism has neurotic and non-neurotic dimensions. Results also underscore that the (mal)adaptiveness of perfectionistic strivings hinges on instrumentation.

Big Five, Self-Regulation, and Coping Strategies as Predictors of Achievement Emotions in Undergraduate Students

“…At the global level, mental health problems will be one of the main causes of disability, morbidity and mortality within the next two decades [6]. Personality factors can influence one's vulnerability to emotional problems and disorders, including anxiety, depression, aggression and personality dysfunction [7]. Recent research has put forward two types of psychological disorders.…”

“…(1) The Conscientiousness (C) factor is considered to have a set of attributes belonging to the domain of self-regulation (for example, goal orientation, self-control, industriousness, deliberation, organization and punctuality); it is therefore the factor most clearly associated with different aspects of self-regulation [7]. A meta-analysis has shown a moderate relationship between C and other key factors of motivation, including academic goals, expected outcomes and self-efficacy; a positive relationship was also found with focusing on cognitive tasks, high levels of self-efficacy and low worry [33].…”

Perfectionism and a Healthy Attitude toward Oneself: Could Humor Be a Resource?

“…Perfectionism is defined as a personal characteristic that involves striving for excellence and setting extremely high performance standards for oneself accompanied by excessively critical evaluations of one's own actions [10][11][12]. Perfectionism is best conceptualized in the literature as a multidimensional personality disposition [13], and various measures of multidimensional perfectionism have been proposed. After the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS) [10], the most noticeable and commonly used measure is the Hewitt-Flett Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (HF-MPS) [11].…”

“…Further to the study of perfectionism is the need [12] to determine how perfectionism relates to current models of personality. Examining the research literature, the following associations emerged [13] between the well-known perfectionism dimensions of Hewitt and Flett's [11] model and the Five Factor model of personality: Self-oriented perfectionism showed primarily a positive relationship with conscientiousness and secondarily with extraversion; other-oriented perfectionism showed a negative relationship with agreeableness but a positive relationship with neuroticism; socially prescribed perfectionism was positively correlated with neuroticism and negatively with extraversion and agreeableness. However, there has been less research with the HEXACO model of personality (19).…”

Multidimensional Perfectionism Predicted by Personality Traits and Parental Bonding: An Empirical Study with a Brazilian Sample

“…Throughout the years, studies demonstrating associations between perfectionism and mental health have increased. There is compelling evidence regarding the role of perfectionism in the development and maintenance of several disorders such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders and, also, indicators of general impact on life satisfaction and well-being (Egan et al 2011;Limburg et al 2017;Shafran and Mansell 2001;Smith et al 2019Smith et al , 2020. Furthermore, perfectionism can be observed earlier in children and adolescents and it is a risk factor for poor psychological adjustment later in life (Flett et al 2002).…”