DIMENSIONS OF PERFECTIONISM AND TYPE-A BEHAVIOR

The present paper reports the results of research that examines the link between dimensions of Type A behaviour and perfectionism in two separate samples. In sample one, 233 subjects (105 males, 128 females) completed the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS) and the student version of the Jenkins Activity Survey. The MPS has three subscales measuring self-oriented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed perfectionism. It was found that various components of Type A behaviour were associated positively with all three perfectionism dimensions among males. As for females, significant positive associations were present between various Type A measures and the perfectionism measures, with the exception of other-oriented perfectionism. In sample two, a broader assessment was obtained by having 100 subjects (57 males, 43 females) complete the MPS and three measures of Type A behaviour. Once again, it was found that at least one component of the Type A construct was associated with each perfectionism dimension, and these relations were present for both males and females. The findings of the present research are discussed in terms of how the perfectionistic standards of the Type A individual are expressed in interpersonal contexts. The results are also discussed in terms of the need for self-evaluation models to incorporate social standards.