A DUAL PROCESS MODEL OF PERFECTIONISM BASED ON REINFORCEMENT THEORY

This article begins with a brief review of the current literature on t he structure and measurement of perfectionism. It is concluded from th is review that two major types can be distinguished, a normal/healthy form and a pathological form. These two forms are then defined as posi tive and negative perfectionism and related directly to Skinnerian con cepts of positive and negative reinforcement. The positive/negative di stinction is then further elaborated on in terms of approach/avoidance behavior, goal differences, self-concept involvement, emotional corre lates, and the promoting environment. Finally, some of the more obviou s theoretical and practical implications are briefly explored.