Alcohol and Substance Use Symptom Differences Between Classes of Perfectionists

Abstract

We examined how multidimensional perfectionism is associated with the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory–3 (SASSI‐3; Miller & Lazowski, 1999) among a sample of 428 undergraduate students. Latent profile analysis based on measures of perfectionism and perceived stress supported a four‐class model (i.e., adaptive perfectionists, mixed perfectionists, nonperfectionists, and maladaptive perfectionists). Overall, adaptive perfectionists reported fewer alcohol and substance use–related symptoms, whereas maladaptive perfectionists reported higher alcohol and substance use–related symptoms. In addition, according to the SASSI‐3 overall classification rule screening for low or high risk of an alcohol or substance use disorder, adaptive perfectionists were the least likely to be classified in the high‐risk category, whereas maladaptive perfectionists were the most likely to be classified in the high‐risk category.

Greater self‐oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism in severe alcohol use disorder

“…The literature linking alcohol and perfectionism has focused on subclinical consumption patterns, generating contradictory results. Perfectionism might be a protective factor toward alcohol use: perfectionist young adults present reduced drinking frequency (Nelsen et al, 2021; Pritchard et al, 2007), particularly those with high self‐oriented perfectionism (Flett et al, 2008) or high personal standards (Moate et al, 2021). Indeed, alcohol consumption reduces self‐control and hampers high academic performance (Mackinnon et al, 2011).…”