Self-critical perfectionism components versus neuroticism predicting well-being over one year
Supervisor: Dr. David Dunkley
I worked on this research project under the supervision of Dr. David Dunkley where I studied the relative predictability of self-critical (SC) and personal standards (PS) perfectionism components on components of well-being over time beyond neuroticism. Regarding self-critical (SC) perfectionism, the concern over mistakes subscale of the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS) and the self-criticism subscale of the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ) were found to be the best predictors of the well-being components beyond neuroticism over time. Concerning personal standards (PS) perfectionism, the personal standards subscale of the FMPS was the best predictor of the well-being components above neuroticism over time. Time 1 FMPS concern over mistakes predicted increased search for meaning in life and negative affect and decreased satisfaction with life at Time 2. Time 1 FMPS personal standards predicted increased satisfaction with life and vitality at Time 2. This research, due in part to its longitudinal design and control for initial measures, allowed for the identification of specific perfectionism components that are most adaptive and maladaptive over time as well as which would be most important to tailor psychological interventions to.