Multidimensional perfectionism and daily self-control episodes

The study examined the interrelations of perfectionistic concerns and perfectionistic strivings on selfcontrol. Going beyond previous research, we examined dispositional and daily components of selfcontrol. In addition, we tested opposing predictions of the tripartite model (postulating that high perfectionist strivings combined with high perfectionist concerns are associated with negative outcomes) and the 2x2 model (postulating that this is true for low perfectionistic strivings combined with high perfectionistic concerns). Over the course of 9 months, 183 teacher trainees participated in approximately 5 ambulatory assessment periods (each lasting 10 days), that preceded a challenging performance situation. Negative associations between perfectionistic concerns and dispositional selfcontrol were confirmed. In addition, the results showed that high perfectionistic concerns also interfered with three of the five daily self-control components. Contrasting statistical effects of perfectionistic strivings supported the assumptions of the 2x2 model and suggest that perfectionistic strivings buffer the detrimental effects of perfectionistic concerns.