Why do perfectionists procrastinate (or not)? Exploring the interaction between perfectionism dimensions through self-determination theory

Abstract

Research on perfectionism and workplace procrastination has typically examined perfectionism through two dimensions: perfectionist strivings (PS) and perfectionist concerns (PC), which are inversely associated with procrastination. Recognizing that these two dimensions often coexist in varying degrees within individuals, our study conducted an interaction analysis to elucidate the associations between individual dimensions and their combined presence across four distinct perfectionism profiles. Based on self-determination theory, we examined the interaction between the two dimensions on procrastination through three psychological mediators: autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, and psychological distress. In a three-wave study involving 376 employees, we observed that the associations between PS and mediators vary with the level of PC, thus responding to the contentious debate of whether PS are beneficial. Additionally, we employed a three-way interaction analysis to explore how different profiles of perfectionism react under external performance pressure, particularly in relation to their levels of procrastination. As ambitious perfectionists (high PS, low PC) emerged as the optimal profile under stressors, our study further identified the particularly beneficial role of PS, especially in the presence of stressors. Our analyses shed new light on the relationships between trait perfectionism and workplace procrastination behavior. We discussed theoretical and practical implications.