(PS6-71) Perfectionistic Types: First-Generation Professionals, Latent Profile Analysis, and Mental Health Outcomes

Abstract Text: This study examines the understudied intersection of perfectionism and mental health among first-generation professionals (FGPs) - individuals who are the first in their families to enter white-collar careers. Using latent profile analysis with data from 121 FGPs (Mage = 30.37, SD = 10.42), we identified four distinct perfectionism profiles rather than the three traditionally reported in other populations: Extreme Perfectionists (high standards, M = 26.32; high discrepancy, M = 26.68), Moderate Perfectionists (moderately high standards, M = 23.65; discrepancy, M = 23.13), Mild Perfectionists (moderate standards, M = 18.82; discrepancy, M = 18.93), and Non-perfectionists (low standards, M = 15.25; discrepancy, M = 14.85).

Perfectionism was measured using the Short Almost Perfect Scale (SAPS; Rice et al., 2014), with one-way ANOVAs revealing significant differences between profiles on anxiety (F(1, 118) = 10.87, p < .001, η² = 0.09) and depression (F(1, 119) = 10.87, p < .001, η² = 0.06). Post-hoc t-tests showed the Extreme Perfectionist group reported significantly higher anxiety and depression compared to Mild Perfectionists (p < .05 and p = .03, respectively), supporting the maladaptive nature of perfectionism. No significant differences in mental health outcomes were found between Extreme and Moderate Perfectionists, suggesting a potential threshold where mental health concerns become pronounced. The Mild Perfectionist group also showed significantly lower anxiety and depression compared to Non-perfectionists (p < .001 for both) and Moderate Perfectionists (p < .001 and p = .01, respectively).

Demographic analyses revealed that Extreme Perfectionists tended to be younger (M = 30.96 years) and more likely to report lower household incomes, while Non-perfectionists were older (M = 36.58 years) with more diverse educational backgrounds.

Our findings have important implications for clinical practice with FGPs. For those exhibiting Extreme and Moderate perfectionism patterns, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions targeting cognitive restructuring could help challenge perfectionistic thoughts and reduce self-criticism. The study supports utilizing the SAPS as a screening tool to identify specific perfectionism profiles requiring intervention. For Extreme perfectionists, therapists might focus on techniques that address unrealistic standards and discrepancy perceptions, while helping clients develop self-compassion. Radically open dialectical behavior therapy (RO-DBT) could benefit FGPs with rigid perfectionistic patterns by enhancing cognitive flexibility and emotional resilience. Career coaches and organizational consultants might implement tailored mentoring programs where experienced professionals guide early-career FGPs in managing perfectionistic tendencies before they manifest as clinical concerns. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of these targeted interventions for specific perfectionism profiles among FGPs, as they navigate professional environments without family role models to reference.