83 - THE PERFECTIONIST TRAP: A DYADIC AND LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS OF MULTIDIMENSIONAL PERFECTIONISM AND COUPLE'S SEXUAL DIFFICULTIES

Session: D06S009 - Couple and Relational Functioning 1
AUTHORS:
Viens Noémie (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières ~ Trois-Rivières ~ Canada) , Langlois Frédéric (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières ~ Trois-Rivières ~ Canada) , Vaillancourt-Morel Marie-Pier (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières ~ Trois-Rivières ~ Canada)
Abstract text:
Introduction. According to the multidimensional model of perfectionism, the tendency to aspire to excessively high standards encompasses three dimensions: Self-oriented perfectionism (SOP), other-oriented perfectionism (OOP), and socially prescribed perfectionism (SPP). Although significant links between perfectionism and sexual function and satisfaction were found, studies have mainly focused on women and have not examined the relationship between perfectionism and several indicators of sexual difficulties in both members of couples. Some researchers have proposed that the dysfunctional affects and thoughts associated with perfectionism may cause sexual discomfort that may contribute to sexual difficulties in couple members.
Purpose. The aim of this study was to examine the dyadic associations between the three dimensions of perfectionism and three indicators of sexual difficulties (sexual function, partner-focused sexual desire and sexual distress), cross-sectionally (T1) and one year later (T2).
Method. A sample of 308 cohabiting adult couples, aged between 18 and 71 years old, was recruited to complete self-reported online questionnaires. Perfectionist tendencies were measured with the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS), while sexual difficulties were assessed with the partner-focused subscale of the Sexual Desire Inventory (SDI) the Sexual Function Index and the Sexual Distress Scale (SDS)
Results. Path analyses, using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM), showed that a person's SOP was positively associated with their own sexual desire towards their partner at T1 and T2. A person's OOP was not significantly associated with their own or their partner's sexual difficulties. A person's SPP was negatively related to their own sexual function at T1 and positively related to their own sexual distress at T1 and T2.
Conclusion. Results underscore the importance of considering perfectionism dimensions in clinical assessments and interventions for couples experiencing sexual difficulties and problematic perfectionist behavior.