Daily fluctuations in perfectionism dimensions and their relation to eating disorder symptoms

Multidimensional perfectionism has been shown to play an important role in eating disorders (EDs). However, research examining this relation has primarily focused on relatively stable inter-individual differences between persons, thereby failing to examine how these variables are associated within individuals on a daily basis. This study examines how daily fluctuations in Personal Standards (PS) perfectionism and Evaluative Concerns (EC) perfectionism relate to each other and to fluctuations in ED symptoms. Adolescents (N = 275) completed questionnaires each evening during seven consecutive days. Multilevel modeling showed significant day-to-day fluctuations in PS and EC perfectionism, and showed that both dimensions are intertwined in the day. Among females, fluctuations in EC perfectionism co-varied with fluctuations in ED symptoms.

► Diary study on multidimensional perfectionism and eating disorder symptoms. ► Examination of between-person and within-person variation in perfectionism. ► Significant day-to-day fluctuations in PS and EC perfectionism. ► PS and EC perfectionism are intertwined in the day. ► Among females, daily fluctuations in EC perfectionism and ED symptoms co-vary.