The Psychology of Perfectionism Theory, Research, Applications

This milestone text provides a comprehensive and state-of-the art overview of perfectionism theory, research, and treatment from the past 25 years, with contributions from the leading researchers in the field.

The book examines new theories and perspectives including the social disconnection model of perfectionism and the 2 × 2 model of perfectionism. It also reviews empirical findings, with a special focus on stress, vulnerability, and resilience, and examines perfectionism in specific populations. Finally, it considers how perfectionism relates to physical health and psychophysiological processes and introduces new approaches to effective prevention and treatment.

By increasing our understanding of perfectionism as a complex personality disposition and providing a framework for future explorations, this landmark publication aims to promote further research in this field. It will be invaluable reading for academics, students, and professionals in personality psychology, clinical and counseling psychology, applied psychology, and related disciplines.

Introduction

Chapter 1 – The Psychology of Perfectionism: An Introduction (Stoeber)

Part I: Perspectives on Perfectionism

Chapter 2 – Perfectionism: A Motivational Perspective (Stoeber, Damian, Madigan)

Chapter 3 – The 2 × 2 Model of Perfectionism: Assumptions, Trends, and Potential Developments (Gaudreau, Franche, Kljajic, Martinelli)

Chapter 4 – Perfectionism and Personality (Stoeber, Corr, Smith, Saklofske)

Chapter 5 – Perfectionism Cognition Theory: The Cognitive Side of Perfectionism (Flett, Hewitt, Nepon, Besser)

Part II: Perfectionism in Special Populations

Chapter 6 – Perfectionism and Anxiety in Children (Affrunti, Woodruff-Borden)

Chapter 7 – Perfectionism in Gifted Students (Speirs Neumeister)

Chapter 8 – Perfectionism in Sport, Dance, and Exercise (Hill, Jowett, Mallinson-Howard)

Part III: Vulnerability and Resilience

Chapter 9 – Perfectionism and Interpersonal Problems: Narcissistic and Self-Critical Perfectionism (Sherry, Mackinnon, Nealis)

Chapter 10 – Perfectionism and Health: The Roles of Health Behaviors and Stress-Related Processes (Molnar, Sirois, Flett, Janssen, Hewitt)

Chapter 11 – Perfectionism and Daily Stress, Coping, and Affect: Advancing Multilevel Explanatory Conceptualizations (Dunkley)

Chapter 12 – Perfectionism and Emotion Regulation (Rice, Suh, Davis)

Part IV: Prevention and Treatment

Chapter 13 – Prevention of Perfectionism in Youth (Wade)

Chapter 14 – Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Perfectionism (Egan, Shafran)

Chapter 15 – Perfectionism in the Therapeutic Context: The Perfectionism Social Disconnection Model (Hewitt, Flett, Mikail, Kealy, Zhang)

Concluding Section

Chapter 16 – The Psychology of Perfectionism: Critical Issues, Open Questions, and Future Directions (Stoeber)

Joachim Stoeber is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Kent. With a background in personality and individual differences, his focus of the past 15 years has been perfectionism research demonstrating that perfectionism is not an exclusively maladaptive characteristic, but has aspects that can be adaptive. He has published numerous journal articles and book chapters on the topic and is one of the leading experts on perfectionism.