Description

The COPS is a self-report scale consisting of various items that assess the negative consequences of perfectionism. Participants are asked to evaluate the extent to which they agree with statements related to the outcomes of perfectionism, such as: Psychological Consequences: Includes feelings of anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem due to the pressure for perfection. Social Consequences: Concerns difficulties in interpersonal relationships or social isolation that may arise from perfectionism.Professional Consequences: Assesses the impacts on professional life, such as burnout or difficulty completing tasks due to excessive control.

Analysis

The analysis of COPS results allows for an assessment of the impacts of perfectionism on various areas of an individual’s life. Responses are collected using a Likert scale, and total scores indicate the level of impact and which areas are most affected by perfectionism.

Purpose

The primary goals of the COPS are:
• Identifying Consequences: To identify and understand the negative consequences of perfectionism on an individual’s psychological and social well-being.
• Guiding Therapeutic Interventions: To provide useful information to mental health professionals for developing intervention strategies that help reduce the negative consequences of perfectionism.
• Tracking Progress: To allow monitoring of changes in the consequences of perfectionism over time or as a result of therapeutic interventions.

Scoring

Scoring on the COPS is done by summing the participants’ responses to various statements. The total score can be used to determine the level of negative consequences of perfectionism. Higher scores indicate a greater burden from the consequences of perfectionism.

References

Frost, R. O., Marten, P., Lahart, C., & Rosenblate, R. (1990). The dimensions of perfectionism. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 14(5), 449-468.
Hewitt, P. L., & Flett, G. L. (1991). Perfectionism in the self and social contexts: Conceptualization, assessment, and association with psychopathology. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 60(3), 456-470.