An Etiological and Maintenance Model of Perfectionism

Abstract Background : The present study aimed to test a model of perfectionism investigating parenting style, early maladaptive schemas and sensitivity to reinforcement theory. Methods : A general population sample (n=384), and a clinical sample consisting of individuals with major depressive disorder (n=40), social anxiety disorder (n=35), obsessive compulsive disorder (n=39), and eating disorders (n=38) completed measures of parenting, early maladaptive schemas, perfectionism, inhibition/approach system, avoidance and overcompensation coping styles, and psychological distress. Results: The path analysis indicated that the model fits with data from both samples. Conclusion: The results inidicate that future research should further investigate a range of variables to further understand perfectionism.