Self-critical thinking mediates the relationship between perfectionism and perceived stress in undergraduate students: A longitudinal study

Abstract

• We examined the concurrent and longitudinal relationships between multidimensional perfectionism, perceived stress, and self-critical thinking in a sample of UK university students. • Longitudinal analysis revealed baseline perfectionism to predict increased stress and self-critical thinking at follow-up. • Self-hatred and inadequacy at baseline mediated the. longitudinal relationship between baseline perfectionism and perceived stress at follow-up • Whilst perfectionism may amplify perceived stress, self-critical thinking may accentuate this relationship due to self-defeating styles of cognitive appraisal. The present study examined the concurrent and longitudinal relationships between multidimensional perfectionism, perceived stress, and self-critical thinking in a sample of UK university students. Specifically, to determine whether self-critical thinking at baseline mediated the longitudinal relationship between baseline perfectionism and future stress at follow-up. At baseline, N=220 students completed measures of multidimensional perfectionism, perceived stress, and self-critical thinking, whereas N=84 completed the same measures at follow-up. Socially prescribed, and self-oriented perfectionism were related to increased stress, self-hatred, and self-inadequacy at baseline. Longitudinal analysis revealed that baseline self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism were significantly related to increased reports of stress and self-critical thinking fifteen weeks later at follow-up. More crucially, multiple mediation analysis found self-hatred and inadequacy at baseline mediated the longitudinal relationship between baseline perfectionism and perceived stress at follow-up. Perfectionistic and self-critical thinking appears to accentuate the experience of perceived stress in the university student population. Student-based interventions to reduce self-critical thinking may prove beneficial in preventing the onset of perceived stress.