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

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Personality Science
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Extensive research over 25 years indicates a significant association between perfectionism and the Five-Factor Model (FFM) of personality.
• Previous studies have yielded inconsistent findings due to methodological limitations, including underpowered samples and varied measurement scales for perfectionism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the relationship between dimensions of perfectionism and FFM traits through a comprehensive meta-analytic review.
• To address inconsistencies in prior research by synthesizing findings across multiple studies.

Main Methods:

• Conducted the first meta-analytic review examining the associations between perfectionism dimensions and FFM traits.
• Analyzed data from 77 studies with a total of 24,789 participants using random-effects meta-analysis.

Main Results:

• Perfectionistic concerns (e.g., socially prescribed perfectionism, concern over mistakes) were robustly linked to higher neuroticism, lower agreeableness, and lower extraversion.
• Perfectionistic strivings (e.g., self-oriented perfectionism, high personal standards) were positively associated with conscientiousness.
• The strength and direction of these relationships were moderated by factors such as gender, age, and the specific perfectionism scale employed.

Conclusions:

• Perfectionism comprises both neurotic and non-neurotic dimensions, aligning with existing theoretical frameworks.
• The adaptive or maladaptive nature of perfectionistic strivings is contingent upon the specific measurement instruments used, highlighting the importance of scale selection.