RELATIONSHIP OF DEPRESSION AND PERFECTIONISM IN A SAMPLE
In the last decade, there has been an increased focus on the personality trait known as perfectionism (Carson, 1989). In this regard, Hewitt and Flett (1990) have reported that perfectionism can be conceptualized in terms of three broad categories of thought:
(1) Self-Oriented Perfectionism - This category of perfectionistic thought is intrapersonal; it is characterized by an intense motivation to view self as perfect. Thus, there is a motivational aspect of perfectionism. The self-oriented perfectionist strives for attainment of unrealistic self-standards which he or she generalizes to all realms of personal behavior. There is a tendency to focus on personal flaws when one fails to live up to the high standards set for self.
(2) Other-Oriented Perfectionism - This aspect of perfectionistic thinking is one in which unrealistic standards of performance are displaced from self onto significant others. When others do not meet these standards, there is dissatisfaction and loss of pleasure in social relations.
(3) World-Oriented/Socially Prescribed Perfectionism - This aspect of perfectionistic thinking is global, and is characterized by the irrational belief that there are precise, correct, and perfect solutions to all human and world problems. Hewitt and Flett (1990) note that world-oriented perfectionism, sometimes termed "socially prescribed perfectionism," can be distinguished from other types of perfectionistic thought in that the focus is on society as a whole rather than on oneself or significant others. The authors also point out that this aspect of perfectionistic thinking is often associated with fanaticism.
Hewitt and Flett (1991) have argued that perfectionistic thinking is related to depression. To test this view, they assessed the multi-dimensional construct of perfectionism using samples of 22 depressed patients, 22 matched controls, and 13 anxiou...