Date of Award

Spring 2010

Project Type

Thesis

Program or Major

Counseling

Degree Name

Master of Arts

First Advisor

David Hebert

Abstract

Socially prescribed perfectionism, in which one perceives that others have unrealistic expectations for them, appears to have a strong correlation to maladaptive characteristics and interpersonal problems. Another concept with maladaptive features and relational difficulties is an unhealthy form of obsessional love, known as limerence. Limerence is defined as an involuntary cognitive and emotional state of intense romantic desire for another individual. The aim of this thesis is to examine the relationship between socially prescribed perfectionism and limerence. It is hypothesized that an association exists between socially prescribed perfectionism and limerence, specifically in intimate relationships. A theoretical comparison supported the hypothesis, concluding that common characteristics of both concepts include obsessive and intrusive preoccupations, low self-esteem, fear of negative evaluation, failure and rejection, emotional dependence on others, poor self-control, self-conscious anxiety, hopelessness, depression and suicidality. Both concepts were also correlated with neurotic tendencies, an external locus of control and anxious/ambivalent attachments.

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