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. 2014 May 1;9(5):e94757.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094757. eCollection 2014.

An etiological model of perfectionism

Gayle K Maloney  1 , Sarah J Egan  1 , Robert T Kane  1 , Clare S Rees  1
Affiliations

An etiological model of perfectionism

Gayle K Maloney et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Objective: Perfectionism has been recognized as a transdiagnostic factor that is relevant to anxiety disorders, eating disorders and depression. Despite the importance of perfectionism in psychopathology to date there has been no empirical test of an etiological model of perfectionism.

Method: The present study aimed to address the paucity of research on the etiology of perfectionism by developing and testing an etiological model using a sample of 311 clients seeking treatment.

Results: Structural equation modeling showed a direct relationship between high Parental Expectations and Criticism, and Perfectionism. There was also an indirect relationship between Parental Bonding and Perfectionism that was mediated by core schemas of disconnection and rejection. Finally, it was found that Neuroticism had both an indirect relationship, which was mediated by core schemas, and a direct relationship with perfectionism.

Conclusions: The study provided the first direct test of an etiological model of perfectionism to date. Clinical implications include investigating whether the inclusion of etiological factors in the understanding and treatment of perfectionism is effective.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Proposed Etiological Model.
Figure 2
Figure 2. The measurement model.
Figure 3
Figure 3. The measurement and structural components of the final six-pathway model.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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