Trait perfectionism, self-determination, and self-presentation processes in relation to exercise behavior

ObjectivesMotivational and self-presentational processes pervade all aspects of our lives including exercise behaviors. Furthermore, trait perfectionism has been shown to heighten self-presentational tendencies and energize achievement striving (Flett and Hewitt, 2002 and Hewitt et al., 2003). How maladaptive and adaptive perfectionism traits relate to these cognitive and behavioral processes specific to the exercise context remains to be determined. This study employed structural equation modeling to examine the associations between maladaptive and adaptive perfectionism, self-determination of exercise behavior, self-presentation in exercise, and exercise behavior.MethodTwo hundred and fifty-four undergraduate students completed items assessing frequency, intensity, and duration of aerobic exercise behavior, along with measures of Multidimensional Perfectionism (Cox, Enns, & Clara, 2002), Self-Presentation in Exercise (Conroy et al., 2000 and Gammage et al., 2004), and self-determination of exercise behavior utilizing the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-2; Markland & Tobin, 2004).ResultsResults supported a structural model in which the associations between perfectionism dimensions and aerobic exercise behavior were mediated by opposing relationships with relative autonomy (RAI; Markland & Tobin, 2004) and self-presentation processes. Distinctively, maladaptive perfectionism demonstrated an inverse direct effect on the RAI and positive direct effects on self-presentation processes. In contrast, adaptive perfectionism exerted a positive direct effect on the RAI and inverse direct effects on self-presentation processes.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the importance of both maladaptive and adaptive dimensions of perfectionism in the study of exercise outcomes and within the broader social context linking perfectionism and motivation.

► A positive relationship between adaptive perfectionism and self-determination for exercise.
► An inverse association between maladaptive perfectionism and self-determination for exercise.
► A positive relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and self-objectification.
► A negative, indirect link between maladaptive perfectionism and exercise behavior.
► A positive, indirect link between adaptive perfectionism and exercise behavior.