Profile
International Journal of Nursing & Clinical Practices Volume 4 (2017), Article ID 4:IJNCP-237, 6 pages
https://doi.org/10.15344/2394-4978/2017/237
Research Article
Perfectionism among Nursing Students

Jon Kelly* and Heather Clark

School of Nursing, Weber State University, 3875 Stadium Way Dept. 3912, Ogden, Utah 84408-3912, USA
Jon Kelly, School of Nursing, Weber State University, 3875 Stadium Way Dept. 3912, Ogden, Utah 84408-3912, USA, Tel: 81 -82-257- 5370; E-mail: jkelly@weber.edu
07 April 2017; 01 May 2017; 03 May 2017
Kelly J, Clark H (2017) Perfectionism among Nursing Students. Int J Nurs Clin Pract 4: 237. doi: https://doi.org/10.15344/2394-4978/2017/237
This study was funded by Grants-in-Aid for scientific research expenses of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (25463472 16H05586) (https://kaken.nii.ac.jp/ja/).

Abstract

Introduction: Nursing is a demanding field with constant challenges. Perfectionism has been shown to be a mediator of stress. A comparison of perfectionism among nursing student is lacking. Perfectionism can cause maladaptive behaviors that may interfere with a student’s education and well-being.
Aim: The purpose of this research project was to measure negative perfectionism among nursing students. The subjects of this study consisted of a non-probability convenience sample of 247 nursing students at a large United States western university. The Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale was utilized to evaluate perfectionism among nursing students. Three specific areas were measured, including selforiented perfectionism, other-oriented perfectionism, and socially-prescribed perfectionism.
Result: The data was analyzed by converting MPS survey scores to simple T-scores. The study results revealed 160 students (65%) scored moderate to elevated levels and 118 students (48%) demonstrated elevated levels of perfectionism in the self-perfectionism. In the other-oriented perfectionism category, 123 students (50%) presented moderate to elevated levels and 74 students (30%) that demonstrated elevated levels in other perfectionism. The social perfectionism category showed 112 students (46 %) scored moderate to elevated levels and 71 students (29%) that scored elevated levels of perfectionism in social perfectionism category.
Conclusion: Individual instructors need to become educated on perfectionism, and then help students at risk by providing resources. Educators may need to adapt curriculum to alleviate stressors of nursing students.