Perfectionism dimensions, including perfectionistic strivings and perfectionistic concerns, have a significant positive association with psychopathology. Clinical perfectionism is defined as when an individual’s self-esteem is excessively reliant on meeting high standards despite negative consequences. Numerous studies have found that higher perfectionistic concerns correlate with lower self-esteem; however, evidence for the association with perfectionistic strivings has been mixed.

The focus of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to inform theoretical understanding of the relationships between perfectionism dimensions and self-esteem in adults.

A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline, PsycINFO, PsychARTICLES, ProQuest Central, and Scopus on 31 May 2023.

There were 83 articles included, with 32,304 participants (Mage=∼24.66 years). There was a significant negative moderate pooled association between self-esteem and perfectionistic concerns, r=–.42, 95% CI [–0.47 to –0.38]. A significant negligible positive pooled association was found between self-esteem and perfectionistic strivings, r=.06, 95% CI [0.01 to 0.11]. Results indicate higher perfectionistic concerns is associated with lower self-esteem, providing indirect support for the cognitive-behavioural model of clinical perfectionism.

Future research should compare cognitive behaviour therapy for perfectionism to treatments for low self-esteem on outcomes of perfectionistic concerns and psychopathology.