Maladaptive Child Perfectionism in clinical and non-clinical populations of Posadas, Misiones (Argentina)

The present research was aimed to study maladaptive perfectionism, defined from a multidimensional perspective as the relentless search of perfection for oneself and the others, in a clinical and non-clinical children's population. An empirical, quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted. The clinical sample was comprised of 44 boys and 24 girls (Mage 9.59; SD 1.68) who received psychotherapeutic and/or psycho-pedagogical treatment in private centers, and the non-clinical sample was comprised of 24 boys and 46 girls (Mage 10.43; SD 1.2) who attended at primary schools of the city of Posadas. Descriptive statistical analyses, mean comparisons, and bivariate correlations were made. Results showed the presence of more cases of moderate and higher levels of maladaptive perfectionism in the clinical sample and mostly negative and small to moderate correlations between perfectionism and some dimensions of child well-being. Taking them as a whole, these results allow inferring that maladaptive perfectionism is present in the clinical population, which suggests that this cognitive system may be considered as a transdiagnostic factor to children's mental health.