Multidimensional Perfectionism and Facial Symmetry, Attractiveness and Approachability: Comparing Those With High Versus Low Dysmorphic Concerns

Abstract

Concerns pertaining to one’s physical appearance or specific body parts is not uncommon in the community. Whether such dissatisfaction is related to superior (or inferior) face perception abilities, or interacts with related constructs, such as perfectionism, is unknown. The current study aimed to investigate whether multidimensional perfectionism (e.g. involving concern over mistakes or doubts over actions) and facial ratings differed in those with high versus low dysmorphic concerns (i.e. excessive preoccupation about perceived physical flaws). Respondents ( N = 343) from the community took part in an online study, comprising questionnaires assessing dysmorphic concerns and perfectionism. They also completed a face perception task involving symmetry, attractiveness and approachability ratings for a series of faces, some of which had been digitally manipulated to yield differing degrees of symmetry. Respondents were divided into those with high ( n = 147) versus low ( n = 196) dysmorphic concerns. Group comparisons using analyses of variance were conducted. Those with high dysmorphic concerns exhibited significantly elevated overall perfectionism (as well as on facets involving concern over mistakes, personal standards, parental perceptions and doubts over actions). No significant group differences were uncovered for the face perception task, involving ratings of symmetry, attractiveness and approachability. Perfectionism differences existed in a non-clinical sample with high dysmorphic concerns, though further work is needed to elucidate consistent patterns regarding perfectionism facets. More research examining face perception deficits on the clinical end of the body image spectrum, such as in those with body dysmorphic disorder, as well as utilising alternate task versions involving self-referential stimuli, are recommended.