The Perfectionistic Self-Presentation Scale—Short Form (PSPS-SF): Development and Validation

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of a brief version of the Perfectionistic Self-Presentation Scale (PSPS), a measure of the interpersonal expression of perfectionism. Adult participants (N = 2223; Mage = 36.67) from three samples completed all the items from the PSPS: clinical (n = 1,003, Mage = 38.89), community (n = 461, Mage = 58.43), and student (n = 759, Mage = 20.69). Exploratory factor analysis in the combined sample supported a three-factor structure comprising of Perfectionistic Self-Promotion, Nondisplay of Imperfection, and the Nondisclosure of Imperfection. Balancing size of factor loadings with content coverage, three items from each of the three factors were selected to form the 9-item short-form version (PSPS-SF). Confirmatory factor analysis showed excellent model fit in the combined sample and demonstrated measurement invariance across subsamples and gender. Exploratory structural equation modeling demonstrated excellent model fit in the combined sample and demonstrated measurement invariance across the non-clinical subsamples as well as gender. The current study provides preliminary support for the reliability and validity of the 9-item short-form version of the Perfectionism Self-Presentation Scale (PSPS-SF) in assessing perfectionistic self-presentational styles across adult clinical, community, and student samples.