Integrating the Model of Excellencism and Perfectionism with the Big Three Model of Perfectionism: A Cumulative Risk Approach

The Model of Excellencism and Perfectionism (MEP) makes two novel distinctions. First, it differentiates the pursuit of excellence from perfectionistic standards. Second, it repositions perfectionistic standards as the core definitional feature of perfectionism while positioning perfectionistic concerns as signature expressions. Two principles from the MEP were tested across two studies, looking at fear of failure (Study 1, N = 169) and psychological distress (Study 2, N = 278). Results of multivariate multiple regression supported the differentiation principle with perfectionistic standards (but not excellencism) positively and significantly associated with eight signature expressions of perfectionism. Results of path analyses supported the distal-to-proximal principle. Perfectionistic standards was positively associated with a cumulative risk factor that characterized the number of signature expressions of perfectionism espoused by a person. In turn, having more signature expressions was positively associated with fear of failure and psychological distress. The indirect effect of perfectionistic standards supported the distal-to-proximal principle. Perfectionistic standards and concerns play distinct roles and are therefore equally important. Overall, the MEP offers a way forward to understand multidimensional perfectionism as a unitary framework in which standards and concerns – once separated from excellencism – contribute to a better understanding of psychological adjustment.