A prediction model for positive and negative perfectionism among a sample of college students in northern Iran: role of the Big Five Personality model and attachment styles

Background and Objective: Perfectionism is a multidimensional construct in students that are influenced by personality traits and attachment styles. Therefore, this study using the big five personality model and attachment styles to provide a prediction model for the positive and negative perfectionism.

Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 400 students of northern Iran during the years 2010-2011 were selected by consecutive sampling and each of them answered to Positive and Negative Perfectionism Scale, NEO-Five Factor Inventory and Revised Adult Attachment Scale. Data were analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression.

Results: Findings showed that these assumed factors totally explain 20% and 25% of shared variance of positive and negative perfectionism respectively. Overall, in final step, positive perfectionism was predicted by variables of conscientiousness, extraversion, anxious attachment and openness and negative perfectionism was predicted by variables of anxious attachment, neuroticism, extraversion and conscientiousness (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: Results indicated that some important personality traits and attachment styles can influence the expression of positive and negative perfectionism. Thus, it is necessary to plan interventions for the regular management of driving components of positive and negative perfectionism.