Thought-Provoking Question #8

Psychology 130

Due Wednesday, July 26th

Please take the Perfectionism Scale (below). Upon completing the scale, please tally your score. Note that plus numbers and minus numbers cancel each other out. Upon completing the scale, please indicate why you feel this is relevant to the chapter on psychopathology. Are perfectionists more prone to certain mood disorders such as depression and loneliness? Please be prepared to discuss your findings in class.


The Perfectionism Scale

Decide how much you agree with each statement, using the following scale:

+2 = I agree very much
+1 = I agree somewhat
0 = I feel neutral about this
-1 = I disagree slightly
-2 = I disagree strongly


Fill in the blank preceding each statement with the number that best describes how you think most of the time. Be sure to choose only one answer for each attitude. There are no “right” or “wrong” answers, so try to respond according to the way you usually feel and behave.

____1. If I don’t set the highest standards for myself, I am likely to end up a second-rate person.
____2. People will probably think less of me if I make a mistake.
____3. If I cannot do something really well, there is little point in doing it at all.
____4. I should be upset if I make a mistake.
____5. If I try hard enough, I should be able to excel at anything I attempt.
____6. It is shameful for me to display weaknesses or foolish behavior.
____7. I shouldn’t have to repeat the same mistake many times.
____8. An average performance is bound to be unsatisfying to me.
____9. Failure at something important means I am less of a person.
___ 10. If I scold myself for failing to live up to my expectations, it will help me to do better in the future.


Reference: Burns, D.D. (1981). Feeling good: The new mood therapy. New York: New American Library