Cultural difference in maladaptive functions of perfectionistic self‐presentation

Abstract

Perfectionistic self-presentation (PSP), which describes an expressive aspect of perfectionism in the interpersonal domain, is a defensive form of perfectionism that has been relatively understudied. Although existing evidence obtained from Western societies has consistently shown maladaptive functions of PSP, the question of whether these patterns are universal remains unanswered. The current research explored the potential moderating effect of culture by evaluating whether the negative influence of PSP is weaker in Asian societies that encourage the use of defensive interpersonal strategies than in Western societies. Two studies recruiting Chinese and North American participants were conducted. In Study 1 (n = 302), the results showed that the relation between PSP and personal mastery was positive among Chinese participants and was negative among North American participants. In contrast, a positive relation between PSP and perceived constraints was observed in both cultures. Study 2 (n = 295) replicated the findings obtained in Study 1. In addition, the findings showed that the relation between PSP and self-esteem, but not that between PSP and depression, was moderated by participants' cultural backgrounds. Taken together, these results indicate both universal and culturally specific patterns regarding the influence of PSP, suggesting that PSP is a complex construct.

Cultural group perception enhances sense of agency in a multicultural society

“…Cross‐culture research showed that in‐group perception may be stronger in collectivistic societies than in individualistic societies (Zourrig, Chebat & Toffoli, ). The strength of a certain factor in promoting or impairing the sense of agency and control can also vary across different cultures (Wang, Li & Xie, in press). Future research should explore whether we can replicate the patterns in individualistic multicultural societies, such as the United States and Canada.…”

Antecedents of Rowe and Kahn’s successful aging model for Asian Americans.

“…Responses were provided on a scale ranging from 1 ( strongly disagree ) to 6 ( strongly agree ). Higher scores (α = .86) indicate more perceived constraints (Wang et al, 2019).…”

Perfectionistic Self-Presentation Scale in Ecuador: psychometric properties and latent mean differences across genders

“…This is an important aspect because conclusions obtained with western samples may not be applicable to other societies. Wang et al (2019) found evidence for both universal and culturally specific patterns regarding the influence of PSP when they compared Chinese and North American participants. However, to our knowledge, no studies on PSP have been carried out in the Latin American population.…”

“…Almost all the accumulated knowledge regarding perfectionism has been obtained from research carried out in the English-speaking population from North America and Europe. Thus, the relationship between culture and PSP has been ignored (Wang et al, 2019). This is an important aspect because conclusions obtained with western samples may not be applicable to other societies.…”