Perfectionism and Academic Performance in Italian College Students

This study analyzed the psychometric properties of the Italian translation of both the Short Almost Perfect Scale (SAPS) and the Short Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (SMPS), and the academic implications of perfectionism on 414 Italian college students aged between 18 and 58 years. Results revealed some limitations with the SAPS factor structure that, once addressed, yielded scores with good internal consistency and convergent validity. The SMPS had adequate psychometric properties. Higher perfectionistic strivings scores were associated with better academic performance and with higher rates of studying. This study provides support for the usefulness of both the SAPS and the SMPS in understanding relationships between different perfectionism dimensions and academic outcomes for Italian students.