Perfectionism and interpersonal problems

This investigation was designed to assess the relation between perfectionism and interpersonal relationships. Three dimensions of perfectionism were assessed for their associations with interpersonal relationships using circumplex measures of both interpersonal traits and interpersonal problems. Analyses using geometric indices provided by the circumplex measures were performed along with canonical correlations between the perfectionism and interpersonal measures to identify the relations between perfectionistic characteristics and interpersonal experiences. Self-oriented perfectionism was associated with assertive, adaptive interpersonal qualities for men and women; other-oriented perfectionism was associated with arrogant, dominant, and vindictive characteristics for men and women but little interpersonal distress; and socially prescribed perfectionism was associated with arrogant, socially distant characteristics for men and diverse interpersonal maladjustment and distress for women. Perfectionistic tendencies appear to have diverse interpersonal associations dependent on the kind of perfectionism experienced.