Perfectionism traits and perfectionistic self-presentation in eating disorder attitudes, characteristics, and symptoms

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the association between several dimensions of perfectionism and measures of eating disorder symptoms, body image, and appearance self-esteem in college students.

Method: A sample of 81 female university students completed the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, the Perfectionistic Self-Presentation Scale, the Eating Attitudes Test, the Bulimia Test, the Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire, and two measures of self-esteem.

Results: It was found that whereas self-oriented perfectionism was related only to anorexic symptoms, the social facets of perfectionism, especially socially prescribed perfectionism and the perfectionistic self-presentation dimensions, were related to eating disorder symptoms as well as body image avoidance and self-esteem.

Discussion: The findings support the usefulness of differentiating personal and interpersonal dimensions of perfectionism as well as trait versus self-presentational aspects of perfectionism in investigating personality and attitudes and behaviors related to eating disorders.