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Although multiple studies have analyzed the impact of perfectionism on sport-related motivation and emotions, studies analyzing its role in actual sport performance are scarce. In the present paper, in two independent studies, we analyze the effects of two features of perfectionism—perfectionistic strivings and perfectionistic concerns—on performance in a 10-kilometer street run (Study 1; n = 332) and a half-marathon (Study 2; n = 133). The participants completed a set of questionnaires online before the competition. In both studies, perfectionistic strivings significantly predicted the results of the run, explaining an additional 7% (Study 1) and 13% (Study 2) of variance beyond gender and age. Moreover, perfectionistic strivings moderated the association between anticipated and actual performance; among perfectionistic individuals, the relationships were markedly stronger. Additionally, Study 2 showed that the effects remained significant after controlling for Big Five personality traits, so they cannot be attributed to perfectionists' elevated conscientiousness. The present paper provides pioneering evidence for a significant positive effect of perfectionistic strivings on sport performance in distance running.
Waleriańczyk et al. (Fri,) studied this question.