Table 1 Definitions and measures of perfectionism and self-criticism
Concept | Definition | Common measures |
|---|---|---|
Clinical perfectionism | Core psychopathology is the overdependence of self-evaluation on the determined pursuit of personally demanding, self-imposed standards in at least one highly salient domain despite adverse consequences | Clinical Perfectionism Questionnaire [3] a 12- item scale. Example items: Have you been told that your standards are too high? Have you felt a failure as a person because you have not succeeded in meeting your goals? |
Perfectionism | Perfectionism is typically viewed as having two dimensions, striving towards perfectionistic standards and perfectionistic concerns. A definition which captures both dimensions is: “Those whose standards are high beyond reach or reason, people who strain compulsively and unremittingly toward impossible goals and who measure their own worth entirely in terms of productivity and accomplishment” (Burns, 1980) | Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale [1] the two most widely used subscales are Personal Standards (7 items) and Concern over Mistakes (9 items). Respective example items: I hate being less than the best at things; The fewer mistakes I make, the more people will like me Hewitt and Flett Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale [2] the two most widely used subscales are Self-oriented Perfectionism and Socially Prescribed Perfectionism. Respective example items: have you been told that your standards are too high? My family expects me to be perfect |