Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (HFMPS)
(Hewitt & Flett, 1991; 2004 ).
Variable
Hewitt and Flett (1991) demonstrated the need to consider both personal and interpersonal components of per-
fectionism. Their conceptualization introduced three trait dimensions /C0self-oriented perfectionism, other-
oriented perfectionism, and socially prescribed perfectionism. While self-oriented perfectionism focuses on
extreme personal standards, other-oriented perfectionism involves demanding that other people meet extreme
standards. Socially prescribed perfectionism is the perception, veridical or not, that other people or perhaps soci-
ety in general is imposing demands for perfection on the self. Perfectionism is conceptualized here as a personal-
ity style that has cognitive and motivational elements. Self-oriented perfectionism incorporates the tenacious and
relentless striving of people driven to be perfect and socially prescribed perfectionism reflecting a lack of motiva-
tion due to the sense of helplessness and hopelessness that is often found among people who are exposed to
unrealistic and unfair expectations. Subsequent research has highlighted the different motivational and goal
orientations linked with self-oriented versus socially prescribed perfectionism (e.g., Powers, Koestner, & Topciu,
2005; Verner-Filion & Gaudreau, 2010 ).
Description
A large item pool was established for each dimension, and factor analyses were conducted to reduce the num-
ber of items. The final version of the Hewitt and Flett Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (HFMPS) has three
15-item subscales. Respondents make 7-point Likert-type ratings of statements. Each subscale has several reverse-
worded items. The HFMPS overlaps to some degree with the FMPS but each measure has unique features.
Self-oriented perfectionism is relevant to the high standards and organization FMPS subscales. Other-oriented
perfectionism is unique to the HFMPS. Socially prescribed perfectionism is more general than the FMPS
measures of high parental expectations and parental criticism, but both measures clearly have an emphasis on
social expectations and pressure that originates from outside the self.30.I expect higher performance in my daily tasks
than most people do12345
31.I am an organized person 1 2 3 4 5
32.I tend to get behind in my work because I repeat
things over and over12345
33.It takes me a long time to do something ‘right’ 1 2 3 4 5
34.The fewer mistakes I make, the more people will
like me12345
35.I never felt I could meet my parents’ standards 1 2 3 4 5
Notes :
Scoring:
Personal Standards Sum of 4, 6, 12, 16, 19, 24, 30
Pure Personal Standards Sum of 12, 16, 19, 24, 30
Organization Sum of 2, 7, 8, 27, 29, 31
Parental Expectations Sum of 1, 11, 15, 20, 26
Parental Criticism Sum of 3, 5, 22, 35
Concern over Mistakes Sum of 9, 10, 13, 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 34
Doubts about Actions Sum of 17, 28, 32, 33
Reproduced with permission.601 OVERVIEW OF THE MEASURES
V. VICES AND VIRTUES