PERFECTIONISM AND THE BIG-FIVE FACTORS

Perfectionism was assessed using the Multidimensional Perfectionism Sc ale, along with a measure of the Big Five factor model, in order to de scribe perfectionism within the set of constructs provided by the Big Five factor model. Self-oriented perfectionism was strongly associated with conscientiousness, and with the achievement striving subscale in particular. Self-oriented perfectionism was also modestly associated with facets of neuroticism and agreeableness. Other-oriented perfectio nism was inversely associated with agreeableness. Socially-prescribed perfectionism was associated only with the depression subscale of the neuroticism factor. Self-oriented perfectionism appeared predominately adaptive, while other-oriented and socially-prescribed perfectionism appeared predominately maladaptive.