More educated, less irrational: Gender and educational differences in perfectionism and irrationality

The current study sets out to identify and analyze gender and educational level differences concerning irrationality and perfectionism. A total of 62 participants (29 men, 33 women; 32 persons with higher studies, 30 persons with average/primary studies) completed the General Attitude and Belief Scale (Lindner, Kirkby, Wertheim & Birch, 1999) and Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (Frost, Marten, Lahart & Rosenblate, 1990). Data analysis revealed significant gender differences regarding perfectionism, men proving to be more concerned with mistakes than women. At the same time, significant educational differences were identified at the level of all the variables studied, the subjects with higher studies showing a lower level of irrationality, concern over mistakes, personal standards, parental expectations, parental criticism, and doubt about actions, as compared to the participants with average or primary studies. There were no significant gender differences concerning irrationality. The practical and theoretical implications of these findings are further discussed.