A comparative examination of the correlates of self-oriented perfectionism and conscientious achievement striving in male cricket academy players

Objectives: Recent research suggests that self-oriented perfectionism may be similar to conscientious achievement striving. Flett and Hewitt (2006) have argued, however, that despite some similarities, there are also critical theoretical differences. The purpose of the current investigation was to examine differences between self-oriented perfectionism and conscientious achievement striving in terms of their relationship with core dimensions of perfectionism. Method: A sample comprising 255 male cricket players (age M = 15.51 SD = 1.63) from British county cricket academies completed measures of self-oriented perfectionism, conscientious achievement striving and various other dimensions of perfectionism (e.g., high standards, perfectionistic striving, self-criticism, and fear of failure). Results: Analyses indicated that self-oriented perfectionism and conscientious achievement striving shared an association with high standards and perfectionistic striving. However, self-oriented perfectionism was also positively related to concern over mistakes, a fear of failure and negative reactions to imperfection. Further, the relationship between self-oriented perfectionism and both high standards and perfectionistic striving remained significant after controlling for conscientious achievement striving. Conclusion: The findings suggest that these two achievement related personality factors are distinct and are likely to have divergent consequences for junior athletes.