Perfectionism, self-criticism and critical parenting styles : a study of mothers and their children

• Main Author: Clark, Sarah
• Published: University of East Anglia 2005
• Subjects: 306.8743
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.426776

Background: Dysfunctional perfectionism and self-criticism are constructs related to psychological difficulties in adults and children. Research indicates that perfectionism in children may be related to maternal perfectionism and both perfectionism and self-criticism may be associated with parental criticism. However, studies have been limited by their reliance upon retrospective questionnaire designs using undergraduate populations. Aims: This study investigates the relationships between levels of perfectionism and self-criticism in mothers and children. It also investigates differences in levels of criticism displayed by mothers of children with either higher or lower levels of perfectionism. Design: A non clinical sample of school children aged 12-15 years (N=110) and their mothers were surveyed in a cross-sectional design. Mothers and children both completed measures of perfectionism (Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale; Frost, Marten, Lahart & Rosenblate, 1990) and self-criticism (Levels of Self-Criticism Scale; Thompson & Zuroff, 2004). Relationships between these measures were explored. Children were ranked according to their scores on the perfectionism measure, with those in the upper and lower quartiles forming higher and lower perfectionism groups. A between groups design was employed to investigate differences in the frequency of critical and positive comments used by mothers of children with higher and lower levels of perfectionism, during a Five Minute Speech Sample