Measuring the origins of perfectionism with the Roots questionnaire in university students: sociodemographic and educational correlates

Perfectionism is increasingly prevalent among university students, yet its developmental antecedents are less understood. This study examined the perceived origins of perfectionism, early family relationships, self-acceptance, and social influences using the 16-item Roots questionnaire (Family, Self, Social) and explored sociodemographic and educational correlates. In a multicenter cross-sectional survey, 2103 Italian students (mean age = 23.4; 76% female) completed the Roots scale. Nonparametric group comparisons and k-means clustering were applied. Students generally reported strong parental support, trust, and autonomy, and moderately positive social acceptance. Vulnerabilities emerged in self-related domains: fear of failure and self-critical tendencies were comparatively higher. Subscale means were as follows: Social = 5.10, Family = 5.06, and Self = 3.75 (1–7 scale). Younger students and those from southern/insular regions reported greater family support. Women presented more fear of failure and self-criticism. Catholics, especially practicing students, reported higher family acceptance/trust alongside greater inadequacy concerns. Health sciences students showed stronger family and self-related resources than peers in science/engineering. Offsite and private-university students displayed more protective indicators; scholarships were associated with heightened internal pressure despite some protective features. No group differences emerged in Social Relationships overall, and total Roots scores did not differ by offsite status or scholarship. Clustering (k = 2) yielded a profile with weaker protective factors and higher fear of failure (consistent with “mixed” perfectionism) and a profile with stronger family/social support, higher self-worth, and lower self-criticism (consistent with “adaptive” perfectionism). Findings suggest that while family cohesion and social trust buffer maladaptive perfectionism, fragile self-perceptions remain central targets. Interventions fostering self-compassion, autonomy-supportive climates, and constructive error management may preserve adaptive striving while mitigating risk.