The Relationships between Perfectionism and Selective Attentions: An Experimental Examination using Dot-Probe Tasks

Abstract

This study investigated the relationships between perfectionism and selective attentions using dot-probe tasks. Sixty-four undergraduates (39 female and 25 male) were asked to perform dot-probe tasks and complete Self-Oriented Perfectionism (SOP) items in Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS) and the Multidimensional Perfectionism Cognition Inventory (MPCI). In dot-probe tasks, three kinds of stimulus such as success-related words, failure-related words, and neutral words were included. Selective attention tendencies to target words were measured. Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficients between the attention tendencies and perfectionism scale scores were estimated. Gender difference was also investigated. The results showed moderate correlations were observed in males, while little correlation was found in females. These results suggested that male perfectionists tend to pay attention to success or failure.