Dimensions of Perfectionism and Levels of Attributions for Grades: Relations with Dysphoria and Academic Performance

• Published in: Journal of rational-emotive and cognitive-behavior therapy 2004-12, Vol.22 (4), p.267
• Main Authors: Blankstein, Kirk R, Winkworth, Gary R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0894-9085; 1573-6563
• DOI: 10.1023/B:JORE.0000047312.20212.30

The current study examined associations between dimensions of perfectionism, levels of attributions for a self-identified problem with marks, and dysphoria and course final grade in university students (253 women; 125 men). Our study revealed several significant findings: (1) perfectionism and levels of attribution are distinct yet related constructs; (2) socially prescribed perfectionism and specific levels of attribution both accounted for unique variance in dysphoria; (3) there were significant gender differences with respect to the relations among perfectionism dimensions, levels of attribution, and dysphoria; (4) self-oriented perfectionism and specific levels of attribution both accounted for unique variance in final grade, but in men only; (5) interactions between perfectionism dimensions and levels of attribution did not augment the prediction of dysphoria or academic performance; (6) self-oriented perfectionism is possibly adaptive under some circumstances. Implications for treating perfectionists and for further research are discussed.