Abstract
Eight studies with data from 2316 students are presented describing the development and preliminary validation of the Physical
Appearance Perfectionism Scale (PAPS), a brief measure with two subscales: Worry About Imperfection and Hope For Perfection.
Results from exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the measure’s two-dimensional structure. Moreover, correlation
analyses provided first evidence for the two subscales’ differential validity: Worry About Imperfection showed negative correlations
with positive self-perceptions of one’s appearance (e.g., appearance self-esteem) and positive correlations with maladaptive
concerns aspects of perfectionism, physical appearance concerns (e.g., body image disturbances), and body weight control whereas
Hope For Perfection showed positive correlations with positive striving aspects of perfectionism, positive self-perceptions,
and impression management. In addition, all PAPS scores showed high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha) and temporal stability
(test-retest). Overall the findings suggest that the PAPS is a reliable and valid instrument to assess positive and negative
aspects of physical appearance perfectionism.
Appearance Perfectionism Scale (PAPS), a brief measure with two subscales: Worry About Imperfection and Hope For Perfection.
Results from exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the measure’s two-dimensional structure. Moreover, correlation
analyses provided first evidence for the two subscales’ differential validity: Worry About Imperfection showed negative correlations
with positive self-perceptions of one’s appearance (e.g., appearance self-esteem) and positive correlations with maladaptive
concerns aspects of perfectionism, physical appearance concerns (e.g., body image disturbances), and body weight control whereas
Hope For Perfection showed positive correlations with positive striving aspects of perfectionism, positive self-perceptions,
and impression management. In addition, all PAPS scores showed high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha) and temporal stability
(test-retest). Overall the findings suggest that the PAPS is a reliable and valid instrument to assess positive and negative
aspects of physical appearance perfectionism.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-15
- DOI 10.1007/s10862-011-9260-7
- Authors
- Hongfei Yang, Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Xixi Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310028, People’s Republic of China
- Joachim Stoeber, School of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NP, UK
- Journal Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment
- Online ISSN 1573-3505
- Print ISSN 0882-2689