#11 Perfectionism, narcissism, & More

Professional Basis Article Review

Lukas Otteson

Professor Price

PSYC 495-6381 Senior Seminar in Psychology

University of Maryland Global Campus

February 23, 2020

Introduction & Hypothesis

Stoeber, Sherry, & Nealis investigated how three forms of perfectionism (self-oriented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed) are related to narcissistic grandiosity and vulnerability, (2015). Stroeber et al. describe perfectionism as a personality trait that features striving for flawlessness, setting exceedingly high standards of performance, and evaluating one’s behavior in an overly critical way (2015). Specifically, self-oriented perfectionism is characterized by exceedingly high personal standards, striving for perfection, expecting to be perfect, and one being highly self-critical if they fail to meet these expectations, (Stroeber et al., 2015). Conversely, other-oriented perfectionism features expectations of others to be perfect and being highly critical of others who fail to meet these expectations (Stroeber et al., 2015). Lastly, socially prescribed perfectionists differ by believing that others expect them to be perfect and that others will be highly critical of them if they fail to meet their expectations (Stroeber et al., 2015). Grandiose perfectionism is “the form of narcissism considered most prototypical of narcissism,” and “is characterized by an inflated positive self-image of one’s skills and authority combined with exhibitionism, attitudes of entitlement, and a tendency toward exploitativeness,” (Stroeber et al., 2015). Grandiose narcissism is covert and highly visible, while vulnerable narcissism is covert and less visible (“characterized by a need for other people’s recognition” and “a sense of self-worth that is contingent upon this recognition”) (Stroeber et al., 2015). Stroeber et al. hypothesized that other-oriented perfectionism would derive the strongest associations with grandiose narcissism and that socially-prescribed perfectionism would derive the strongest associations with vulnerable narcissism (Stroeber et al., 2015).

Methodology

Stroeber et al. procured 375 students (68 men, 307 women; mean age of 19.6 years old) from the University of Kent, using the School of Psychology’s Research Participation Scheme (2015). The participants completed all measures using a survey via the School’s Qualtrics platform, which required participants to respond to all questions (Stroeber et al., 2015). Participants completed a 45-item Multidimensional Perfection Scale to measure perfectionism and the Narcissistic Personality Inventory, Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale, & Pathological Narcissism Inventory were used to gather data to measure participants’ narcissism (Stroeber et al., 2015).

Results

Stroeber et al. reported that other-oriented perfectionism was the only form of perfectionism showing unique positive relationships with key facets of narcissistic grandiosity (exhibitionism/entitlement, leadership/authority, exploitativeness), which is consistent with past studies (2015). Regarding the second hypothesis, Stroeber et al. demonstrated socially-prescribed perfectionism showing unique positive relationships with all facets of narcissistic vulnerability (contingent self-esteem, devaluing others, entitlement rage, hypersensitivity, hiding the self) and suggesting that socially-prescribed perfectionism is the form most strongly associated with vulnerable narcissism, of the three forms of perfectionism (2015). These findings support the researchers’ hypotheses. The findings in the study indicated that all three forms of perfectionism showed unique positive relationships with individual aspects of narcissistic grandiosity and vulnerability, while other-oriented perfectionism was predominantly related to grandiose narcissism and socially-prescribed perfectionism was predominantly related to vulnerable narcissism Stroeber et al., 2015). This research might be able to provide a closer look at both narcissism and perfectionism, with the specific relationships demonstrated between other-oriented perfectionism & grandiose narcissism and socially-prescribe perfectionism & vulnerable narcissism.

Personal Opinion

            This study was able demonstrate what the researchers were hoping to investigate. Whether the findings support their hypotheses or not is not the main concern. However, they were able to demonstrate significant relationships. It could be repeated to demonstrate that the results are replicable. The self-reported/surveying nature of the study could limit the validity of the results, but it might be too costly to do something more professionally monitored (like with the supervision of a psychologist, for example). Controlling for self-reporting bias, future research could be conducted with participants that are already diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder and/or perfectionism. This study and the ones to follow it will hopefully provide psychologists better insight into both perfectionism and narcissism. Hopefully this greater insight will provide therapists increased ability to establish rapport and provide clients with unconditional positive regard & empathy.

References

Stoeber, J., Sherry, S. B., & Nealis, L. J. (2015). Multidimensional perfectionism and narcissism: Grandiose or vulnerable? Personality and Individual Differences, 80, 85–90. https://doi-org.ezproxy.umuc.edu/10.1016/j.paid.2015.02.027