Perfectionism and academic life: A correlational study with psychology students

Perfeccionismo y vida académica: un estudio correlacional en estudiantes de psicología

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Leonardo Andrés Aguilar Durán, Lic
Abstract

The objective of this research was to analyze the relationship between perfectionism and some academic variables (stress, locus of control and academic performance) in university students. A cross-sectional study with descriptive-correlational scope was designed. Two hundred and sixteen psychology students from the Central University of Venezuela participated, 126 females (58.3 %) and 90 males (41.7 %), with an average age of 24.5 years (SD = 7.78). All the students completed the following instruments: the Academic Perfectionism Inventory, the Academic Stress Questionnaire and the Academic Locus of Control Inventory. The students' academic records were obtained from the university database. Academic perfectionism and self-oriented perfectionism correlated positively with stress due to assessments; socially prescribed perfectionism was positively associated with academic stress, due to exams and academic responsibilities. The only significant correlation between perfectionism and the locus of control was between self-oriented perfectionism and the internal attribution of academic success. General perfectionism, self-oriented perfectionism and other-oriented perfectionism showed positive relations with simple and weighted grade point averages approved. It is concluded that, until certain point, perfectionism seems to be involved in the achievement of a better academic performance, which is discussed in the framework of the negative vision that prevails over perfectionism (as a variable that is linked to psychological distress).

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Leonardo Andrés Aguilar Durán, Lic, Universidad Central de Venezuela

Licenciado en Psicología (Mención: Psicología Clínica) por la Universidad Central de Venezuela y Profesor (Especialidad: Castellano y Literatura) egresado de la Universidad Pedagógica Experimental Libertador, núcleo Instituto Pedagógico de Caracas. Ha ejercido la docencia en las Escuelas de Psicología de la Universidad Católica Andrés Bello y la Universidad Bicentenaria de Aragua. Se interesa en el estudio del perfeccionismo como rasgo de personalidad (y de variables que a él se asocian) desde una perspectiva psicométrica. Sus publicaciones pueden leerse en http://ucv.academia.edu/LeonardoAndrésAguilar

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