The impact of two-dimensional perfectionism on burnout and eating disorders in young Finnish athletes : comparison between males and females

Abstract

Matilda Sorkkila, 2014. The impact of two-dimensional perfectionism on burnout and eating disorders in young Finnish athletes: comparison between males and females. Master’s Thesis in Sport and Exercise Psychology. Department of Sport Sciences. University of Jyväskylä. 40 p.

Even though it has been argued that perfectionistic strivings might be adaptive and perfectionistic concerns might be maladaptive in sports, only few studies have viewed these dimensions in relation to athletes’ mental health. Two mental health problems that have been found in elevated amounts in young elite athletes are burnout and eating disorders. It has been proposed that perfectionism might impact the development of these conditions, but traditionally the construct has been seen as one-dimensional. In order to make accurate conclusions, perfectionistic strivings should be differentiated from perfectionistic concerns. It is also essential to explore males and females separately, as the two genders might respond differently to the dimensions of perfectionism.

The purpose of the study was to research the impact of two-dimensional perfectionism on burnout and eating disorders in a sample of young athletes, and compare the results across gender. It was also of interest to explore the relationships between two-dimensional perfectionism, burnout, and eating disorders, as the three variables have not been explored in a single study.

Sixty elite athletes (26 males and 34 females) filled in questionnaires of burnout, eating disorders, and two-dimensional perfectionism. The results showed that a positive relationship existed between burnout and eating disorders, but this relationship was mediated by perfectionistic concerns. Perfectionistic concerns predicted burnout and eating disorders in females, but not in males. Perfectionistic strivings also predicted eating disorders in females, but protected both males and females from burnout.

It was concluded that regarding burnout and eating disorders, two-dimensional perfectionism might be mostly adaptive for males, but maladaptive for females, and interventions should be designed accordingly. Limitations and suggestions for future research are also discussed.