Understanding the link between perfectionism and adjustment in college students: Examining the role of maximizing

The Maximizing Mind-Set

“…These ideas are compatible with past research on maximizing, which has shown that individuals who score higher on maximizing also tend to report greater regret and lower life satisfaction, relative to those lower in maximizing (Chang et al 2011;Iyengar, Wells, and Schwartz 2006;Purvis, Howell, and Iyer 2011;Rim et al 2011;Roets et al 2012;Schwartz et al 2002;Sparks et al 2012;Nenkov et al 2008). Of course, this past research specified maximizing as an individual difference construct, whereas we focus on maximizing as a state that may vary situationally.…”

“…In terms of the consequences of maximizing, past research has shown that maximizers are less happy and less optimistic (and more depressed and regretful) than satisficers (Chang et al 2011;Nenkov et al 2008;Purvis, Howell, and Iyer 2011;Rim et al 2011;Roets, Schwartz, and Guan 2012;Schwartz et al 2002). However, such findings are based on trait level measurements and hence are correlational.…”

The Role of Perfectionism and Emotional Regulation in Explaining Decision-Making Styles

“…Once again, they show that characteristics that are often investigated separately, in the context of e.g., decision making and personality or clinical psychology in case of maximizing and perfectionism, may share some underlying mechanisms and outcomes. As shown in the present and previous studies (Chang et al, 2011;Schwartz et al, 2002), this does not imply that they should be considered as redundant constructs. Instead, their interrelations should be explored and conceptualized in more detail, as this may result in deeper understanding of our cognitive and emotional functioning, as well as behaviors and life outcomes.…”

Evidence for the Validity of the Clinical Perfectionism Questionnaire in a Nonclinical Population: More Than Just Negative Affectivity

“…During this period, more than 500 articles have been published. These studies have linked perfectionism to a variety of maladaptive conditions and outcomes, including depressive symptoms (e.g., Chang, Sanna, Chang, & Bodem, 2008;Frost, Marten, Lahart, & Rosenblate, 1990;Hewitt & Flett, 1991), anxious symptoms (e.g., Chang et al, 2008;Stöber & Joormann, 2001), stress (e.g., Chang, Lin, et al, 2011;Chang, Watkins, & Banks, 2004;Hewitt, Flett, & Ediger, 1996), suicide risk (e.g., Hewitt, Flett, & Weber, 1994;O'Connor et al, 2007), and eating disturbances (e.g., Bardone-Cone, 2007;Downey & Chang, 2007).…”