Examining the validity and reliability of the Perfectionistic Self-Presentation Scale

Perfectionistic Self-presentation is a dynamic interpersonal style that directly reflects the drive to appear perfect and conceal imperfections in public situations. To operationalise this multidimensional conceptualisation of perfectionistic self-presentation, researchers developed the Perfectionistic Self-presentation Scale (PSPS). The PSPS differentiates between three styles of self-presentation: perfectionistic self-promotion, non-display of imperfection, and nondisclosure of imperfection. Since the initial validation of the PSPS, there have been two studies published which raise questions regarding the conceptualisation and operationalisation of perfectionistic self-presentation. The first study introduced a new style of perfectionistic presentation (hiding effort) and associated meausre (PSP-HE-S). The second study analysed the factorial validity of the PSPS and concluded that the original three-factor meausre may be overextracted (i.e., represented by too many factors). It is therfore not currently clear how perfectionistic self-presentation is best conceptualised and operationalised (i.e., with more than or less than three factors).