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Is perfectionism categorical or dimensional? A taxometric analysis
Joshua J Broman-Fulks1, Robert W Hill, Bradley A Green
1Department of Psychology, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608, USA. bromanfulksj@appstate.edu
Journal of Personality Assessment
|August 16, 2008
Summary
Perfectionism is best understood as a continuous trait, not distinct categories. This study
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Perfectionism is debated as dimensional or categorical.
- Some view it as continuous, linked to negative outcomes.
- Others propose adaptive and maladaptive forms with varied outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if perfectionism is taxonic (categorical) or dimensional (continuous).
- Utilized taxometric procedures to analyze perfectionism's latent structure.
Main Methods:
- Applied four taxometric procedures: maximum eigenvalue, maximum covariance, mean above minus below a cut, and latent-mode factor analysis.
- Utilized data from two large nonclinical samples.
Main Results:
- Convergent evidence supported a dimensional conceptualization of perfectionism.
- Findings were consistent across samples and measures.
- Statistical procedures confirmed the dimensional nature.
Conclusions:
- Perfectionism is best conceptualized as a dimensional construct.
- Implications for theory, assessment, and research on perfectionism are discussed.
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