A Mixed Methods Examination of Perfectionism and Online Social Comparison Among Texas Choir Teachers

Abstract

The purpose of this explanatory sequential mixed methods study was to examine the associations between perfectionism and online social comparison among choir teachers in Texas. Participants ( N = 40) completed the Hewitt and Flett Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, the expanded Iowa Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure, and a demographic questionnaire. Results from the quantitative strand revealed that only one predictor variable, socially prescribed perfectionism, significantly predicted nondirectional social comparison, upward social comparison, and downward social comparison. We then conducted follow-up interviews with nine participants with high ratings for socially prescribed perfectionism. From our qualitative strand, four themes emerged: (a) pressure from competitive music structures in the state, (b) coping mechanisms, (c) function of relationships, and (d) effects of comparison direction. Participants expressed that the competitive choral events in the state exacerbated the pressure they felt regarding their own professional successes, which led to comparisons with others as a gauge for their own performance. The two primary mechanisms for coping with negative feelings were cognitive reappraisal and avoiding/reducing time on social media. The nature of the relationship with comparison targets and the direction of the comparison critically impacted participants’ outcomes and feelings.