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


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Hewitt
P L
PL
Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Flett
G L
GL
Ediger
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001828:Body Image; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008875:Middle Aged; D010551:Personality; D012649:Self Concept; D012917:Social Adjustment