The knowledge about the specificity of perfectionism domains is scarce.

To explore the extent to which perfectionism is a general personality trait influencing multiple functioning areas rather than a context-specific trait and to investigate the relation between domains of perfectionism and perfectionism dimensions and affect.

217 University students answered to the Portuguese versions of the Domains of Perfectionism Scale (DP; Rhéaume et al., 1995), Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (Hewitt and Flett, 1991; MPS-H&F), Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (Frost et al., 1990; MPS-F) and Profile of Mood States (McNair et al., 1971).

On average participants were perfectionists in approximately 15 domains. All the 22 individual domains and the 4 DP factorial scores presented moderate (≥.30) to high (≥.50) coefficients with the Number of Domains (NrD). Self Oriented Perfectionism (SOP/MPS-H&F), was the perfectionism dimension correlating with most DP variables; Social Prescribed Perfectionism (MPS-H&F) did not significantly correlate with any DP variable. Organization and Personal High Standards (both MPS-F) significantly and positively correlated with several specific domains and with the NrD. Positive Affect (PA), but not Negative Affect, presented positive correlations with almost all DP variables, including NrD. The mean NrD, SOP and PA were significantly higher in subjects who considered themselves highly perfectionist in the most prevalent domains of perfectionism. PA, Organization and SOP were independent significant predictors of the NrD.

Perfectionism influence multiple areas; perfectionism expressing in a greater number of life domains seems to be internally motivated and to be associated with positive psychological variables.