Multidimensional Perfectionism and the Self

ABSTRACT

This study examined multidimensional perfectionism and self-development. Two hundred seventy-one undergraduates completed a measure of multidimensional perfectionism and two Kohutian measures designed to measure aspects of self-development including social connectedness, social assurance, goal instability (idealization), and grandiosity. The researchers found evidence that adaptive perfectionists employ healthier forms of narcissism in social connectedness and goal instability (idealization) as compared to maladaptive perfectionists and nonperfectionists. Implications for treatment and future research are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Perfectionism
• personality
• narcissism