Exploring the Development of Perfectionism: The Influence of Parenting Style and Gender

In this study we explored the associations between different combinations of the parenting characteristics of demands and warmth, and distinct dimensions of perfectionism. A secondary purpose was to examine whether or not these associations vary by gender. Results indicated that an authoritarian parenting style was associated with more maladaptive aspects of perfectionism (e.g., concerns about mistakes, doubting one's abilities), whereas authoritative parenting seemed to buffer individuals from these maladaptive aspects. In general, indulgent parenting was associated with fewer feelings of criticism from parents, whereas neglectful parenting was related to more feelings of criticism. None of the parenting styles, however, was related to adaptive perfectionism (e.g., personal standards, organization). Apart from a few noteworthy exceptions, patterns of association were similar for males and females.