Abstract
The current study sought to examine the indirect effects of perceived parental perfectionistic expectations on alcohol-related problems in emerging adulthood. Specifically, it explores how these expectations interact with perceived parental response styles (conditional negative regard, conditional positive regard, unconditional positive regard, and contingent punishment) in relation to two dimensions of perfectionism (perfectionistic standards and discrepancy). In turn we examined how these dimensions of perfectionism are associated with alcohol-related problems in emerging adulthood through negative effects and drinking to cope. Using a sample of 331 emerging adults, results indicate that when coupled with high parental expectations, the perception of parental conditional negative regard and contingent punishment in adolescence were associated with maladaptive perfectionism (high standards and discrepancy) in emerging adulthood. Perfectionistic discrepancy was then found to be predictive of alcohol-related problems through heightened levels of negative affect and coping-motivated drinking. Additionally, findings suggest that perfectionistic standards serve as a protective factor against problematic drinking. This study contributes to the understanding of how parent socialization influences perfectionistic tendencies and alcohol-related problems in emerging adulthood.
Advisor
Casey, Michael
Department
Psychology
Recommended Citation
MacLean, Payton, "From High Standards to High-Risk: Linking Parental Socialization to Problematic Drinking Through Perfectionism" (2025). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 11641.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/11641
Disciplines
Child Psychology | Clinical Psychology | Developmental Psychology | Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Keywords
Emerging Adulthood, Perfectionism, Conditional Regard, Problematic Drinking
Publication Date
2025
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2025 Payton MacLean