Perfectionism Typologies among Undergraduate and Graduate Students: Prevalence and Associations with Psychosocial Adjustment and Academic Performance

Objective: In this study, we examine the prevalence and demographic, academic, and psychosocial correlates of perfectionism typologies among postsecondary students. We focus on a lesser-known typology characterized by low personal standards and moderate self-critical cognitions, which we label "discordant perfectionism." Participants: Our sample of 8,689 students from 15 U.S. institutions was drawn from a larger longitudinal investigation of well-being and academic success. Methods: Students completed self-reported measures of perfectionism, demographics, and psychosocial adjustment in spring 2016. GPA was obtained from registrars in fall 2016. Results: A substantial proportion of students were classified as discordant perfectionists (26.1% of undergraduates, 18.8% of graduate students) with Asian students, men, first-generation undergraduates, and international students overrepresented. Discordant perfectionism was associated with markedly worse outcomes than the other typologies, with the lowest average GPA, subjective well-being, coping self-efficacy, and social connectedness. Conclusions: Discordant perfectionism merits further consideration as a risk factor for postsecondary students.