Relationship between dimensions of perfectionism in university students and their positive relations with others

Aim of this research was to determine the role of adaptive and maladaptive dimensions of perfectionism in predicting the quality of interpersonal relationships in students. Design of this research was correlational and 381 college students were selected by available sampling from Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran. Participants completed the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (Frost, Marten, Lahart, & Rosenblate, 1990) and the Positive Relationships Scale (Ryff, 1989). Results showed perfectionism was significantly related to positive relationships. However, adaptive dimensions such as organization and personal standards were negatively related and maladaptive dimensions such as doubt about actions, concern over mistakes and parental criticism were positively related to positive interpersonal relationship. Overall, perfectionism should not be considered as a negative predictor for positive relationships with others. Instead, attention should be paid to both adaptive and maladaptive dimensions.