Perfectionism and career indecision among undecided college students
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between perfectionism and career indecision using multidimensional measures of both constructs. First-semester college students who were undecided with regard to academic major and enrolled in a career exploration course (N = 476) completed the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale and Career Factors Inventory. Cluster analysis revealed three distinct perfectionism groups: adaptive, maladaptive, and non-perfectionism. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to test for between-group differences on career indecision factors. Results indicated that the perfectionism groups scored similarly on the cognitive factors and no group differences were present. However, on the affective factors, the maladaptive perfectionism group reported higher career choice anxiety and generalized indecisiveness than the adaptive perfectionism group. The non-perfectionism group also reported higher generalized indecisiveness than the adaptive perfectionism group. In this study, adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism were associated with different career indecision factors. Implications of the findings for career counseling and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Kelly, Purdue University.
Subject Area
School counseling|Psychology|Clinical psychology
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