Perfectionistic strivings and conscientiousness as differential predictors of goal setting (in)flexibility in real-life situations: A mixture latent Markov approach

• Definition: Inflexible goal setting is unresponsive to performance outcomes. • We examined goal setting across repeated, personally relevant performance situations. • We used a mixture latent Markov approach to model inflexibility in goal setting. • Perfectionistic strivings predicted inflexible adherence to high goals. • Conscientiousness was linked to inflexible goal setting but avoidance of high goals. Theoretical frameworks postulate that high perfectionistic strivings are associated with inflexibility in goal setting (i.e., goal setting that is not responsive to performance outcomes), distinguishing them from conscientiousness. We examined goal levels set by 178 preservice teachers in an average of five repeated performance situations, using self-reported aspiration level and self- and supervisor-reported goal difficulty as observed indicators. Adopting a mixture latent Markov approach to model goal-setting inflexibility, we found that perfectionistic strivings predicted membership in a latent class of participants who inflexibly set high goals. Conscientiousness predicted membership in a latent class with inflexible goal setting and avoidance of high goals. Results suggest that perfectionistic strivings are associated with adherence to challenging goals, even after lower achievement, beyond conscientiousness.