Abstract
Perfectionism has demonstrated both adaptive (e.g. increased effort, higher achievement levels) and maladaptive (e.g. anxiety, disordered eating, low self-esteem) functions related to athletes' well-being (Anshel et al., 2009; Appleton et al., 2009; Koivula et al., 2002). No existing perfectionism measure is sufficient in measuring perfectionism as a multidimensional, domain-specific construct with adaptive and maladaptive components as it has been conceptualized in the literature (Frost et al., 1990; Hewitt & Flett, 1991; Rice et al., 1998). The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable and valid instrument: the Sport Adaptive and Maladaptive Perfectionism Scale (SAMPS). The sample consisted of 159 collegiate athletes (78% female, 84.3% Caucasian/White) from NCAA Division I, II, and III universities nation-wide. An exploratory factor analysis produced a two-factor solution of adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were high for the scale as a whole (α =.855), and both subscales of adaptive (α =.864), and maladaptive perfectionism (α =.887). Convergent validity was established through moderate-strong correlations with alternative perfectionism measures. Divergent validity was established through weak-moderate correlations between the adaptive and maladaptive subscales of the SAMPS (r=.117, p = ns) and between the SAMPS and global big five personality traits. Criterion validity was not fully supported in distinguishing between perfectionism and OCD as independent samples t- tests demonstrated statistically significant differences in total and maladaptive perfectionism levels between groups. The SAMPS was demonstrated to be a reliable and valid measure to assess adaptive and maladaptive sport perfectionism.