Dimensions of perfectionism, behavioral inhibition, and rumination

The behavioral inhibition system (BIS) is believed to underscore individual differences in perfectionism, but existing research has yielded an inconsistent pattern of associations. The current study sought to clarify the associations among trait perfectionism, behavioral inhibition, and behavioral activation in two samples (N’s of 112 and 234). We also investigated the association between these factors and rumination. All participants completed measures of perfectionism and BIS/BAS activation. Sample 2 participants also completed a trait measure of rumination. Data analyses showed across samples that self-oriented perfectionism is associated with BAS and BIS activation, suggesting approach and avoidance tendencies. Self-oriented perfectionism was associated with BAS-Drive but not with BAS fun-seeking. In contrast, socially prescribed perfectionism was linked with BIS scores. Further, socially prescribed perfectionism was correlated with trait rumination, and behavioral inhibition partially controlled this relationship. These results demonstrate links between perfectionism and BIS activation and suggest that anxious forms of distress and maladaptive cognitive styles among perfectionists are mediated by BIS activation. The findings suggest that certain perfectionists are predisposed to distress and cognitive rumination as a result of a strong BIS.