An investigation of the perfectionism/self-criticism domain of the personal style inventory

Previous research indicates that the perfectionism/self-criticism (PESC) domain of the Personal Style Inventory (PSI; Robins et al. [1994]. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 16, 277-300), which was originally constructed as an indicator of autonomy, serves as an indicator of both sociotropy and autonomy. To shed light on this unexpected finding, the PSI and related constructs were longitudinally examined among Israeli undergraduates (N = 260). At both T1 and T2, PESC had significant loadings on sociotropy, autonomy, and depressive symptoms, and it correlated strongly with the self-criticism factor of the Depressive Experiences (Blatt, D'Afflitti, & Quinlan, [1976]. Journal of Abnormal psychology, 95, 383-389). As well, in some analyses PESC interacted with initial depression and subsequent stress to predict T2 depression. Rather than measuring multidimensional perfectionism, PESC appears to measure self-criticism, or a more broadly defined negative self-evaluation.