Machiavellianism and the three facets ranged from .28 to .32 for women but only .14 to .20 for men. Sherry et al.
(2007) showed in two large samples of undergraduates that perfectionistic self-presentation predicts relatively
large amounts of significant variance in personality pathology when considered along with the HFMPS trait
dimensions. Jain and Sudhir (2010) reported that adults with social phobia, relative to a group of 30 community
volunteers, exhibited significantly higher levels of nondisplay of imperfections, and marginally higher levels of
perfectionistic self-promotion. Cockell et al. (2002) reported that women with anorexia nervosa obtained substan-
tially higher scores on all three PPSP facets as compared with psychiatric and normal groups. Patterson et al.
(2012) also found substantially higher scores on all three PSPS facets for a clinical eating disorder group versus
subclinical and asymptomatic groups. Likewise, Bardone et al. (2010) found that mean scores on the three PSPS
factors were elevated for participants who currently had an eating disorder or were only partially recovered.
Ferrari and Thompson (2006) confirmed that all facets of perfectionistic self-presentation are associated with
lower self-deception ( rs ranging from 2.23 to2.40) and perfectionistic self-promotion and non-display of imper-
fection were linked strongly with greater impostor fears ( rs of .40 and .57). Penkal and Kurdek (2007) linked overall
levels of perfectionistic self-presentation with greater body dissatisfaction ( r5.24) and physique anxiety ( r5.31),
while all three PSPS facets have been predictive of physical appearance perfectionism ( rs ranging from .35 to .49)
(Yang & Stoeber, 2012 ).Hewitt et al. (2003) using two large samples (222 students; 90 clinical patients) reported
that all three PSPS facets were predictive of informant ratings. Most correlations were .30 or greater in the student
sample and considerably stronger correlations were found between patient self-reports and clinician ratings. The
strongest association ( r5.63) was found between clinician rated and self-reported nondisplay of imperfection self-
reports. Hewitt et al. (2008) reported that high PSPS scores were predictive of extreme physiological responses
(readiness to respond with anxious arousal) when required to discuss past mistakes in a clinical interview.
Location
Hewitt, P.L., Flett, G.L, Sherry, S.B., et al. (2003). The interpersonal expression of perfection: Perfectionistic
self-presentation and psychological distress. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84 , 1303/C01325.
Results and Comments
The PSPS uniquely reflects the stylistic expression of perfection. While scores on the PSPS subscales tend to be
correlated substantially with trait perfectionism dimensions, it is possible for an individual who has not internal-
ized a need to be perfect into their self-identity to score high on the scale because the PSPS taps a need to seem
perfect and avoid seeming imperfect. One potential use of the scale that has not been explored thus far is that it
could conceivably be used as a response style measure by researchers developing a scale and there is a concern
that items in this new instrument are susceptible to creating an idealized image.
PERFECTIONISTIC SELF-PRESENTATION SCALE
Listed below are a group of statements. Please use the rating scale shown below to indicate your degree of agree-
ment or disagreement with each of the statements.
1234567
Strongly Neither strongly Agree
disagree agree nor disagree
1.It is okay to show others that I am not perfect 1 234567
2.I judge myself based on the mistakes I make in
front of others1234567
3.I will do almost anything to cover up a mistake 1 234567
4.Errors are much worse if they are made in public
rather than in private1234567
5.I try always to present a picture of perfection 1 234567
6.It would be awful if I made a fool of myself in
front of other people1234567
7.If I seem perfect, others will see me more
positively1234567613 OVERVIEW OF THE MEASURES
V. VICES AND VIRTUES