Relationship between perfectionism and depression in university students: moderation of self-efficacy

Abstract

Objective To explore the moderating effects of self-efficacy between perfectionism and depression. Methods Using a convenient sampling method, a sample of 570 university students completed almost perfect scale-revised(APS-R), general self-efficacy scale(GSE), beck depression inventory(BDI). Results Correlational analyses indicated maladaptive perfectionism was positively correlated with depression (r=0.47, P 0.05). Hierarchical regression analyses indicated the moderation effects of self-efficacy was significant (β=-0.12, P<0.01) in that maladaptive perfectionism has closer relationship with depression when self-efficacy was low, suggesting that self-efficacy enhances the influence of maladaptive perfectionism on depression (β=0.536, P=0.000), whereas high self-efficacy reduces the corresponding influence (β=0.239, P=0.018). Conclusion Self-efficacy moderate the relation between maladaptive perfectionism and depression. Key words: Maladaptive perfectionism; Adaptive perfectionism; Depression; Moderation effect