Research on perfectionism is gaining importance. However, there is a lack of research findings on perfectionistic automatic thoughts (PATs). Accordingly, the first aim of this study was to validate a newly developed Spanish version of the Perfectionistic Cognitions Inventory. The second aim was to ascertain different profiles of PATs and examine intercluster differences in social anxiety. A sample of seven hundred ninety-eight 21-43-year-old Spanish undergraduate students (M age ϭ 23.2 years, SD ϭ 5.28) participated in the study. A model that consisted of 17 items situated within three first-order factors, namely, perfectionistic strivings, demands, and concerns, which loaded onto a second-order factor, namely, PATs, was found to be the best fit for the data. Cluster analysis identified three profiles of PATs. The group that obtained the highest scores on all three dimensions of PATs also obtained the highest scores on a measure of social anxiety. The present findings contribute to the existing literature on PATs.
Public Significance StatementThe present study validated a Spanish version of the Perfectionistic Cognitions Inventory among university students. The assessment of perfectionistic automatic thoughts (PATs) is important because they are related to psychopathological variables such as depression and stress, which, in turn, can adversely affect the academic performance and socioemotional functioning of students. Accordingly, the present study identified different profiles of PATs and examined corresponding group differences in social anxiety. Those with high levels of PATs reported higher levels of social anxiety than the other groups.