Are perfectionism dimensions risk factors for anxiety symptoms? A meta-analysis of 11 longitudinal studies

Background: Over 50 years of theory and research implicates perfectionism in anxiety. However, it is unclear which (if any) perfectionism dimensions are risk factors for anxiety. Objective: To address this, we conducted a meta-analysis testing whether socially prescribed perfectionism, concern over...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Anxiety, stress, and coping stress, and coping, 2018-01, Vol.31 (1), p.4-20
Main Authors: Smith, Martin M., Vidovic, Vanja, Sherry, Simon B., Stewart, Sherry H., Saklofske, Donald H.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders - psychology
Humans
longitudinal
Longitudinal Studies
Meta-analysis
Perfectionism
Risk
Risk Factors
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Summary:Background: Over 50 years of theory and research implicates perfectionism in anxiety. However, it is unclear which (if any) perfectionism dimensions are risk factors for anxiety. Objective: To address this, we conducted a meta-analysis testing whether socially prescribed perfectionism, concern over mistakes, doubts about actions, self-oriented perfectionism, and personal standards predict increases in anxiety. Method: Our literature search yielded 11 relevant studies for inclusion, composed of children, adolescents, undergraduates, community adults, and psychiatric patients. Results: Meta-analysis using random-effects models revealed concern over mistakes (r +  = .11), doubts about actions (r +  = .13), and personal standards (r +  = .08), but not socially prescribed perfectionism or self-oriented perfectionism, displayed significant small positive relationships with follow-up anxiety, after controlling for baseline anxiety. Conclusion: Research is needed to understand the conditions under which the connection between perfectionism and anxiety becomes stronger (e.g., stress).
ISSN:1061-5806
1477-2205
DOI:10.1080/10615806.2017.1384466