Unhealthy perfectionism, negative beliefs about emotions, emotional suppression, and depression in students: A mediational analysis

Abstract

IntroductionLiterature suggests individuals who exhibit unhealthy perfectionist traits are more likely to be characterised by unhelpful emotion coping responses. The present study aims to explore negative beliefs about emotions as a mediator between unhealthy perfectionism and emotional suppression, and whether emotional suppression mediated the association between unhealthy perfectionism and depression. MethodA cross-sectional online self-report questionnaire was administered to students (n=641), which assessed perfectionism, unhelpful beliefs about emotions, emotional suppression and depressive symptomatology. ResultsBootstrapping analyses suggested that beliefs about emotions mediated the relationship between unhealthy perfectionism and emotional suppression. Further analysis indicated that emotional suppression mediated the relationship between unhealthy perfectionism and symptoms of depression. ConclusionIt may be important for professionals treating people with depression or other psychological problems characterised by perfectionism, to ensure that therapy targets beliefs about emotions and emotional suppression.