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An Investigation of the Perfectionism/Self-criticism Domain of the Personal Style Inventory

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Abstract

Previous research indicates that the perfectionism/self-criticism (PESC) domain of the Personal Style Inventory (PSI; Robins et al. [1994]. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 16, 277–300), which was originally constructed as an indicator of autonomy, serves as an indicator of both sociotropy and autonomy. To shed light on this unexpected finding, the PSI and related constructs were longitudinally examined among Israeli undergraduates (N = 260). At both T1 and T2, PESC had significant loadings on sociotropy, autonomy, and depressive symptoms, and it correlated strongly with the self-criticism factor of the Depressive Experiences (Blatt, D’Afflitti, & Quinlan, [1976]. Journal of Abnormal psychology, 95, 383–389). As well, in some analyses PESC interacted with initial depression and subsequent stress to predict T2 depression. Rather than measuring multidimensional perfectionism, PESC appears to measure self-criticism, or a more broadly defined negative self-evaluation.

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Notes

  1. Although one of the two domains of the PSI is labeled “autonomy,” findings reported by Hmel and Pincus (2002) suggest that this term is misleading. Specifically, these investigators reported that PSI autonomy measures, while loading on a single factor of depressive vulnerability, fail to assess a sense of autonomous agency; rather, these PSI scales measure a passive, defensive orientation involving a lack of self-confidence.

  2. The findings reported in this article did not change as a function of participants’ educational institution. However, I did find important differences between the two groups of participants in terms of their reaction to the exam period. These differences are reported in a separate article.

  3. Other measures include perceived social support and questions pertaining to the exam period. Findings regarding these instruments are reported in a separate article (see also Footnote 2).

  4. In a previous study conducted by this author and his colleague (Priel & Shahar, 2000), I classified events as either achievement-related (e.g., being laid-off), interpersonal (e.g., romantic breakup), or other types of events. This was done in the present study, but the classification yielded no statistically significant effects related to the type of event endorsed. Hence, the total number of negative events was used in the present report.

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  1. Department of Behavioral Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel

    Golan Shahar

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Shahar, G. An Investigation of the Perfectionism/Self-criticism Domain of the Personal Style Inventory. Cogn Ther Res 30, 185–200 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-006-9032-y

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