Perfectionistic concerns mediate the relationship between psychologically controlling parenting and achievement goal orientations

The present study investigated the mediating role of perfectionism in the effects of psychologically controlling parenting on achievement goals. Undergraduate students (N = 367) completed measures related to perfectionism, psychologically controlling parenting, and achievement goals. Four dimensions of perfectionism (personal standards, organization, concern over mistakes, doubts about actions) were considered. Psychologically controlling parenting positively predicted doubts about actions and concern over mistakes but not the other two dimensions of perfectionism. Psychologically controlling parenting positively predicted both performance approach and avoidance goals; yet these effects were fully mediated by doubts about actions and concern over mistakes. Organization was positively related to mastery and performance-approach goals and doubts about actions showed the opposite pattern. Concern over mistakes was positively related to performance-approach and performance-avoidance goals. Personal standards were linked to all types of achievement goals, suggesting both benefits and consequences.