Perfect fronts, fragile bonds: Prospective associations between perfectionistic self-presentation and peer experiences

Abstract

Although theory links perfectionism and negative social outcomes, little is known about their longitudinal associations in adolescence. As such, prospective, reciprocal associations between perfectionistic self-presentation and peer experiences were tested among a community sample of adolescents (M_age = 17.79, SD = 1.29; 72.38 % girls) via a random intercept cross-lagged panel model with four timepoints. Results demonstrated that, on average, adolescents higher on perfectionistic self-presentation had less favourable peer experiences. Moreover, there was a reciprocal relationship between non-display of imperfections and peer prosociality, such that within-person increases in attempts to conceal perceived flaws predicted decreases in receiving prosocial acts from peers which, in turn, promoted increases in this facet of perfectionistic self-presentation. However, findings also revealed a decrease in perfectionistic self-presentation in response to increases in peer prosociality, suggesting that, through positive peer experiences, adolescents may learn that perfectionism serves as a barrier to meaningful social relationships and adjust accordingly.