Perfectionism and aggression: Identifying risk profiles in children

•The 2 × 2 model of perfectionism was examined in Spanish children.•Mean scores differences on aggressiveness were obtained between clusters.•Mixed Perfectionism was the most maladaptive profile of the four.•Non-Perfectionism and Pure Self-Oriented Perfectionism (SOP) were the most adaptive.

The present work aims to identify possible combinations of Self-Oriented Perfectionism (SOP) and Socially Prescribed Perfectionism (SPP) that lead to different profiles of child perfectionism, as well as to determine whether these profiles differ from each other as a function of scores on the three components of aggression (cognitive or Hostility, physiological-emotional or Anger, and motor or Physical and Verbal Aggression). A sample of 1815 Spanish students (50.36% boys) between 8 and 11 years of age was recruited and the Child and Adolescent Perfectionism Scale and the Aggression Questionnaire were administered. Through cluster analysis, four profiles of child perfectionism, named Non-Perfectionism, Pure SPP, Pure SOP, and Mixed Perfectionism, were identified. In terms of aggression, Mixed Perfectionism was the most maladaptive profile, whereas Non-Perfectionism and Pure SOP were more adaptive than the others. Our results are interpreted in light of the 2 × 2 model of perfectionism.