Dyadic perfectionism in romantic relationships: Predicting relationship satisfaction and longterm commitment

Perfectionism affects all areas of life, including romantic relationships. However, little is known about how dyadic perfectionism (perfectionism in dyadic relationships) affects students’ romantic relationships. Focusing on two central aspects of dyadic perfectionism—partner-oriented perfectionism (perfectionistic expectations towards one’s partner) and partner-prescribed perfectionism (perceived perfectionistic expectations from one’s partner)—this study examined partner and actor effects of dyadic perfectionism in 58 university students and their partners (N = 116 participants) using multilevel analyses. Results showed significant partner and actor effects. Participants’ partner-oriented perfectionism had a positive effect on their partner’s partner-prescribed perfectionism and a negative effect on their own relationship satisfaction and longterm commitment. Participants’ partner-prescribed perfectionism also had a negative effect on their own relationship satisfaction. The findings show that dyadic perfectionism in students’ romantic relationships puts pressure on the partner and negatively affects the perception of the quality of the relationship regarding satisfaction and longterm commitment.

► We investigated partner-oriented and partner-prescribed perfectionism.
► We examined their effects on the quality of students’ relationships.
► Both forms of perfectionism had negative effects.
► Partner-oriented perfectionism affected satisfaction and commitment.
► Partner-prescribed perfectionism only affected satisfaction.