The Effects of Perfectionism on Elite Athletic Performance: The Perceptions of Elite Athletes’

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to examine elite athletes’ perceptions of the effects of perfectionism on performance and how athletes cope with or facilitate perfectionism within performances. Design/ Method: The Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale-short version (Frost, Marten, Laharat, & Rosenblate, 1990) and the Sport Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale 2 (Gotwals & Dunn, 2009) were completed by a purposeful sample of athletes (n = 48). Seven participants (3 males, 4 female 4) subsequently participated in semi-structured interviews. Results/ Conclusions: In addition to providing support for current sporting research into perfectionism a number of new themes emerged, which advance understanding about perfectionism in sport. Specifically participants identified the importance of organisation, fluctuations in the distinction and strength of perfectionism, concerns over perceived control regarding teammates, and techniques to facilitate or cope with perfectionism. Finally, the study highlights the need for future research to devise techniques to facilitate and cope with perfectionism and its effects on performance.