Factor structure and psychometric properties of the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale: Developing shorter versions using an Australian sample

Abstract

The factor structure, psychometric properties and clinical utility of the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS) developed by Frost, Martin, Lahart, and Rosenblate (1990) is investigated for the first time on the basis of an Australian sample. Consistent with recent studies, four dimensions instead of the original six emerged as a result of exploratory factor analysis. Retaining 24 items out of the original 35 items refined the scale. This brief version is referred to as FMPS-24 item. Further investigations resulted in a shortened form of the scale (FMPS-R), which highlighted the presence of two purer dimensions, functional and dysfunctional perfectionism, using a limited number of items. The overall 24-item measure, its four subscales and the functional and dysfunctional dimensions of perfectionism had high internal consistency and correlated with other established measures of perfectionism, anxiety and depression. In general, the FMPS-24 item and FMPS-R are psychometrically sound instruments of potential value and utility in studying the construct of perfectionism and its links with personality and psychopathology.

Shared Temperament Risk Factors for Anorexia Nervosa: A Twin Study

“…Given that a variety of factor structures have been found for the Frost perfectionism measure (22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27), the four scales measuring temperament were used as originally proposed (22), as this is the format most commonly used in the examining the relationship between perfection and eating disorders and thus makes our results comparable with other studies. The two scales that report retrospectively on parental criticism and expectations were not used.…”

Perfectionism, Worry, and Rumination in Health and Mental Health: A Review and a Conceptual Framework for a Cognitive Theory of Perfectionism

“…Note that some additional studies with the FMPS were not included in Table 6.1 because they focused on total perfectionism scores and established a strong, positive link between total FMPS scores and scores on the PSWQ (e.g., Smári, Olason, Eypórsdóttir, & Frölunde, 2007;Whiting et al, 2014) or they combined the FMPS dimensions into composite scores, but with a nonstandard version of the FMPS. For instance, Khawaja and Armstrong (2005), as part of their attempt to reduce the FMPS to 24 items, showed that PSWQ scores were linked robustly with a factor that combined COM and DAA ( r = .56) and there was also a significant correlation between worry and the PS factor ( r = .28).…”

Measures of Perfectionism

“…The same conclusion was reached by Anshel and Seipel (2006) who conducted a confirmatory factor analysis of the item responses of 186 undergraduates. Khawaja and Armstrong (2005) suggested that the FMPS could be reduced to 24 items but their analyses with data from an Australian sample yielded only four factors.…”