Perfectionism and school anxiety: More evidence about the 2 × 2 model of perfectionism in an Ecuadorian population

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the 2 × 2 model of dispositional perfectionism via a person-oriented approach in a sample of 1588 Ecuadorian students aged 12- to 18-years-old (M = 14.83, SD = 1.86). The Child and Adolescent Perfectionism Scale (CAPS) and the School Anxiety Inventory (IAES) were employed. The statistical analysis included a non-hierarchical cluster analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), effect size (Cohen's d index), and bivariate and partial correlations. Four perfectionism profiles were obtained by using cluster analysis: Non-Perfectionism, Mixed Perfectionism, Pure Perfectionistic Strivings (Pure PS) and Pure Perfectionistic Concerns (Pure PC). Mixed Perfectionism and Pure Perfectionistic Strivings were the most maladaptive profiles whereas Non-Perfectionism was the most adaptive profile. Pure PC did not significantly differ from Mixed Perfectionism and Pure PS, with the exception of the mean scores on Anxiety about Academic Evaluation and Cognitive Anxiety. Results from bivariate and partial correlations revealed that both Perfectionistic Strivings and Perfectionistic Concerns showed shared relationships with all the dimensions of IAES. However, only Perfectionistic Concerns showed a consistent pattern of unique relationships with school anxiety. The current study provides evidenced about the importance of implementing strategies to prevent school anxiety in Ecuadorian population focused on Perfectionistic Concerns.