Abstract
Historically, perfectionism has been associated with symptomatologies such as depression, anxiety, and procrastination (Hewitt & Flett, 1991). However, a newer construct expands and includes both positive and negative aspects to perfectionism (Flett, Russo, & Hewitt, 1994; Frost, Marten, Lahart, & Rosenblatt, 1990; Hamachek, 1978; Norman, Davies, Nicholson, Cortese, & Malla, 1998; Terry-Short, Owens, Slade, & Dewey, 1995). Maximization has been defined by tendencies similar to negative perfectionism. Cognitive distortion has been associated with depression and anxiety; however, little research has evaluated cognitive distortions in relation to perfectionism. This study examines associations of positive and negative perfectionism, cognitive distortion, and maximization. A distinction is made between positive and negative perfectionism as well as connections between negative perfectionism, maximization, and cognitive distortions.