Fear of Negative Evaluation and Perfectionism Among Young Adults in Kerala

Abstract

In a circumstance involving social evaluation, an individual’s processing of information about himself or herself and the information about others differs due to fear of negative evaluation. On the other hand, Perfectionism is a personality trait that aspires for high performance standards and is accompanied by a tendency to critically evaluate oneself. It is strongly correlated with one’s mental health and has a significant negative impact on one’s career, studies, and overall quality of life. The present study aims to determine the level of fear of negative evaluation and perfectionism among young adults. Sample of 200 young adults (91=males, 109=females) was taken from different districts in the state of Kerala. The study aimed to check the significant relationship between fear of negative evaluation and perfectionism among young adults and as well as to find out the significance difference in fear of negative evaluation and perfectionism based on gender and place of residence. Brief fear of negative evaluation scale and Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS) were used. The data were analysed using different statistical tools such as the student’s t- test and Pearson’s correlation. Findings revealed positive correlation between fear of negative evaluation and perfectionism and significant difference in perfectionism among males and females. The study concluded that fear of negative evaluation when increased, perfectionism also increases among young adults.