An exploratory study of perfectionism and sport orientation among Japanese Track and Field athletes

抄録

The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between perfectionism and sport orientation as well as to explore sport-specific perfectionism among Japanese athletes. Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS)³⁹⁾, the Sport Orientation Questionnaire (SOQ)²¹⁾, and eight questions specific to perfectionism in track and field were administered. A total of 114 (65 females and 49 males) athletes from two track and field teams in Japan completed the questionnaires. Self-Oriented perfectionism exhibited significant positive relationships with all (SOQ) scores. Canonical correlation analyses confirmed the positive relationship between Self-Oriented perfectionism and competitiveness, goal-, as well as win-orientation. Also, Socially Prescribed perfectionism was not related to competitiveness, but was related to low win-and negatively high goal-orientation. The results revealed that Self-Oriented perfectionism seems a core dimension in understanding athletes’perfectionistic behaviors. Further research should include appropriate scales to measure sport-specific perfectionism among athletes.