Maladaptive Perfectionism Research Articles

Exploring Reasons for Learning English and Burnout Among Pre-University Students

English is crucial to achieve academic success and fulfil social needs of the language in today’s society. Several studies have reported that the reasons for learning English could facilitate learners to learn the language more seriously with the aim to be proficient and successful in acquiring the language. However, the reasons for learning the English language may be a factor that could lead to academic burnout. Therefore, this study explored the reasons for learning English and burnout among pre-university students. A quantitative approach was done to investigate reasons for learning English and its relation to students’ burnout. The survey used was derived from Pintrich and De Groot’s (1990) reasons for learning and Campos et al.’s (2011) causes of burnout. A purposive sample of 271 UiTM Centre of Foundation Studies students responded to the survey. The findings of this study revealed the affective component was the most significant cause of academic burnout due to maladaptive perfectionism whereby learners were concerned about making mistakes especially when they focused on learning English to excel in tests and examinations. Conclusively, the relationship between the reasons for learning English language and cause of burnout has prominent implications for academic institutions and educators to foster a positive and successful learning environment by providing resources and assistance programmes for students to manage academic difficulties and social stresses in English language learning.

Exploring fear of happiness among university students: The role of perfectionism, academic burnout, loneliness, and hopelessness.

Due to its impact on mental health and well-being, fear of happiness is beginning to receive more attention in research. This study, conducted in Hungary, explored the relationship between fear of happiness, perfectionism, loneliness, hopelessness, and academic burnout. Participants aged between 18 and 35 years (N = 1,148, M = 22 years, SD = 4.5) completed an online questionnaire that included self-report measures of these constructs. In the present study, males showed higher levels of fear of happiness and perfectionism than did females. Analyses also revealed that both adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism, academic burnout, loneliness, and hopelessness were positively related to fear of happiness. In multiple regression analysis, gender had a positive and age had a negative role in the levels of fear of happiness. Maladaptive perfectionism, academic burnout, loneliness, and hopelessness were positive predictors, while adaptive perfectionism almost reached statistical significance. These findings highlight the predictive role of previously unexplored variables in fear of happiness.

A preliminary investigation of the mediating roles of self-compassion and emotion dysregulation in the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.

Recent research has highlighted an association between maladaptive perfectionism and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).However, the mechanisms underlying this relationship are not well understood. The primary aim of this preliminary study was to investigate whether self-compassion and emotion dysregulation independently mediated this relationship. The secondary aim was to determine whether serial mediation existed between these factors. Whether these relations held for overall obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms, versus distinct dimensions of OCD, was also of interest. Three hundred and ninety-two university students (Mage = 21.81, SD = 8.01), predominantly female (79.18%), participated in an online questionnaire that included a dimensional measure of OCD. Scales assessing maladaptive perfectionism, self-compassion, emotion dysregulation, and negative emotion states were also included. Greater maladaptive perfectionism was related to more severe OCD. Emotion dysregulation, but not self-compassion, independently mediated this relationship. A serial mediation relationship was found, in that greater maladaptive perfectionism was associated with lower self-compassion, which was linked to greater emotion dysregulation, and in turn related to more severe OC behaviors. In addition, distinct patterns emerged for separate OC dimensions. These findings highlight emotion regulation and self-compassion as potential targets for OCD prevention, especially in individuals with symptoms in the symmetry and unacceptable thoughts dimensions.

From magical thinking to suicide: Understanding emergency physicians' psychological struggle

Recent literature has explored the psychological well-being of physicians, addressing conditions like perfectionism, imposter phenomenon/syndrome (IP), depression, burnout, and, less frequently, magical thinking. But recognizing the connections among these psychological factors is vital for developing targeted interventions to prevent or alleviate their impact. This article examines the often-sequential emergence of these five conditions within a physician's career, with a specific emphasis on their prevalence among emergency physicians (EPs), who must manage a diverse array of acute illnesses and injuries. The descent into psychological distress initiates with magical thinking—in this case, the belief that perfection is possible despite evidence to the contrary—leading to the pursuit of maladaptive perfectionism. If unaddressed, this trajectory may lead to depression, burnout, and in some cases, suicide. Understanding this continuum lays the groundwork for devising a systematic approach to enhance physicians' mental health.The article delves into detailed descriptions of these psychological conditions, encompassing their prevalence, individual impact, how they are integrated into this continuum and potential preventive or corrective methods.Recognizing unrealistic expectations as a major contributor to burnout, depression, and even suicide within the medical profession, the article advocates for the development of targeted interventions and support structures to assist medical students and professionals in managing IP. Practical strategies involve acknowledging unrealistic expectations, setting attainable goals, seeking support, taking breaks, and prioritizing self-care. Addressing this pervasive issue aims to cultivate a culture where medical professionals can thrive, ensuring optimal care for patients.

Exploring potential mediating mechanisms between maladaptive perfectionism and athlete burnout based on multi-theory perspectives.

Athletes with maladaptive perfectionism are vulnerable to experiencing a variety of psychological issues, such as burnout. Burnout in athletes can have detrimental effects on their performance and careers. The potential mechanisms by which fear of failure and self-handicapping explain the association between maladaptive perfectionism and athlete burnout remain understudied. This study examined their mediating role in the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and athlete burnout. A total of 221 athletes were chosen to participate in a cross-sectional survey study. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS and AMOS structural equation modeling. The participants filled out self-report assessments on maladaptive perfectionism, fear of failure, self-handicapping, and athlete burnout. Analyses indicated that maladaptive perfectionism positively predicts fear of failure, self-handicapping, and athlete burnout. Fear of failure positively predicts self-handicapping and athlete burnout, while self-handicapping also predicts athlete burnout. In addition to the direct pathway, we identified three mediating pathways through mediation analyses: (a) an independent mediation of fear of failure (b) an independent mediation of self-handicapping (c) a chained mediation of both. The results of this study provide a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms between maladaptive perfectionism and athletes burnout by considering fear of failure and self-handicapping as mediating variable factors. It is shown that the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and athlete burnout can be partially explained through the mediating role of individuals' fear of failure as well as self-handicapping behaviors. These insights offer a valuable foundation for the design of psychological interventions to address athlete burnout, enabling coaches and sport psychologists to develop more effective coping strategies for enhancing athletes' psychological well-being and performance.

Psychological portrait of the patient of the clinic of aesthetic medicine

The authors examine the psychological factors that encourage a person to get the services of a private clinic of aesthetic medicine. The purpose of the research is to study the manifestations of adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism, anxiety and aggressiveness of the patient of the aesthetic medicine clinic. Study participants: 39 patients of a private dermatocosmetology clinic, mostly women. A control group of the study, constituted of biologists and psychologists of different ages (students and specialists). Methods: the ARS-R perfectionism scale in the R. Slaney model, the Bass-Perry aggression questionnaire, the Spielberger personal anxiety questionnaire, unfinished sentences. The reasons for going to the doctor was analyzed, a medical history was collected. Results: the psychological portrait of a modern patient of a private aesthetic clinic in Moscow is described. Conclusions: 1.In an empirical study, only one statistically significant difference was found between the patient group and the control group. Procrastination as a tendency to procrastination, inability to start acting higher in the control group. Oral care traditions have already developed in society, perhaps in the future similar traditions will arise regarding new cosmetic technologies and procedures. 2.In the group of patients with a request for invasive, injectable procedures, the discrepancy with their requirements is higher than in patients with other requests. Patients with a request for injections also experience greater fear and anxiety (the results are statistically significant). 3.The group of patients with acne, scarring and rosacea, share lowest rates of anger. At the same time, the group of patients with acne, scars and rosacea, share low average values of anger. The same patients, reveal disorders in 80% of cases.

Exploration of vulnerability factors of digital hoarding behavior among university students and the moderating role of maladaptive perfectionism.

In light of the rapidly evolving digital landscape, there is an increasing need to explore digital hoarding behavior. This need is driven by concerns regarding its intricate psychological foundations and its impact on individuals within our technology-centric society. This research investigates the influence of various factors, including the fear of missing out, emotional attachment, information overload, and decision fatigue, on digital hoarding behaviors among university students in Iran. Additionally, the study examines the moderating role of maladaptive perfectionism in these relationships. The study involved 275 university students (mean age = 21.62 years; standard deviation = 2.28 years; 65.6% female) selected from four universities in Iran. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results revealed that the fear of missing out, emotional attachment, information overload, and decision fatigue significantly predict university students' digital hoarding behavior. Moreover, the findings highlighted the moderating effect of maladaptive perfectionism on the association between emotional attachment and digital hoarding behavior. This suggests that individuals with higher levels of maladaptive perfectionism exhibit amplified digital hoarding tendencies when emotionally attached to their digital data. This study provides a deeper understanding of the relationship between psychological factors and digital hoarding tendencies. These findings have practical implications for educational institutions and mental health professionals, as they can help in developing targeted strategies and interventions to manage digital hoarding behavior in university freshmen and promote healthier digital habits.

부모의 심리적 통제가 대학생의 이성 간 비현실적 기대에 미치는 영향: 정서표현 양가성에 의한 부적응적 완벽주의의 조절된 매개효과

Objectives: This study was conducted to verify the moderated mediating effect of maladaptive perfectionism by ambivalence over emotional expression in the effect of parental psychological control on unrealistic expectations among romantic relationships of university students. Method: Data collected for this study were analyzed for correlation, mediating effect, and moderating effect of major variables applying SPSS 26 and PROCESS macro 4.0, and a boosting algorithm was employed to verify significance. Results: The influence of parents' psychological control on the unrealistic expectations of university students and the moderating effect of ambivalence of emotional expression on maladaptive perfectionism were confirmed. Conclusions: As a result of the study, it has been confirmed that relational ambivalence lowers mind reading among unrealistic expectations in romantic relationships. Therefore, it suggests that if you recognize and practice the importance of expressing emotions through counseling, you can help restore emotional communication and form healthy relationships.

부적응적 완벽주의와 시험불안의 관계: 학업적 자기효능감의 매개효과

부적응적 완벽주의와 시험불안의 관계: 학업적 자기효능감의 매개효과

Dialectical behavior therapy in the treatment of perfectionism: A Single case design

The primary goal of the study is to investigate the effect of dialectical behavior therapy in the treatment of perfectionism in high school students. Method research using single-case experimental research with an A-B-A design Participants consisted of three students (N = 3) who indicated non-perfectionism, maladaptive perfectionism, and mixed maladaptive perfectionism. The intervention of dialectical behavior therapy in the treatment of perfectionism was carried out in eight sessions. Treatment focused on developing mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonaleffectiveness, and self-regulation. Participants completed the Frost MultidimensionalPerfectionism Scale. Data were collected before, during, and after the DBT intervention. The results showed that dialectical behavior therapy was effective for dealing with maladaptive perfectionism during and after the intervention. This preliminary evidence suggests the potential feasibility of using DBT in school settings.

Australian elite sport coaches’ mental health literacy of eating disorders, orthorexia, and muscle dysmorphia in athletes: A qualitative study

Athletes have an increased risk of developing eating disorders (EDs) compared to non-athletes. Coaches are in a unique position to identify symptoms and promote timely support; however, research has not yet explored coaches’ mental health literacy about DSM-5 EDs and related orthorexia and muscle dysmorphia conditions in elite athletes. Eighteen Australian elite sport coaches from aesthetic, weight-class, and endurance sports participated in individual semi-structured interviews to investigate their mental health literacy of EDs and related conditions. Four themes emerged from the data. Theme 1 (knowledge of EDs and related conditions) highlighted coaches’ awareness of maladaptive perfectionism as a key risk factor, limited awareness of EDs without observable weight loss, and conceptualisation of EDs as a nutritional issue. Theme 2 (facilitators to managing EDs) highlighted the helpfulness of building trust with athletes, accessing support staff, emphasising body functionality, and lived experience. Theme 3 (barriers to managing EDs) highlighted coaches’ challenges with communicating about body image, responding to denial, and funding constraints. Theme 4 (future ED education and training) highlighted coaches’ desire for in-person, interactive training and to support junior-level coaches. These findings may assist in developing tailored educational resources to improve coaches’ ability to identify and manage eating-related concerns in athletes.

The effect of perfectionism on relative deprivation among nursing students: The role of interpersonal sensitivity and resilience

AbstractThis study investigated the relationship between perfectionism and relative deprivation among nursing students in China as well as the mediating role of interpersonal sensitivity and the moderating role of resilience in this relationship. A cross‐sectional study design involved 682 nursing students participants from two universities in Henan Province, China, using questionnaires about demographics, perfectionism, relative deprivation, interpersonal sensitivity, and resilience. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation analysis and the PROCESS macro in regression analysis were used for data analysis. Adaptive perfectionism was not significantly correlated with relative deprivation, while maladaptive perfectionism was significantly positively correlated with interpersonal sensitivity, relative deprivation, and resilience. Interpersonal sensitivity mediated the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and relative deprivation, accounting for 41.07% of the total effect. Moreover, the first half path and direct path of this process were moderated by resilience. These results show that targeted interventions to reduce maladaptive perfectionism, reduce interpersonal sensitivity and improve resilience of nursing students could help reduce their relative deprivation.

Relationship Between Anxiety, Coping Strategies, and Perfectionism in Entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy Students

Introduction. Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students must meet high standards throughout their lives and careers, which can cause stress and anxiety, with potentially devastating impacts. This quantitative study examined whether and to what extent perfectionism, demographic characteristics, and coping strategies relate to state (situation-related) and trait (personality-related) anxiety in DPT students. Review of Literature. Existing literature demonstrates high anxiety levels in DPT students; also, maladaptive perfectionism is associated with higher levels of stress. The predictive relationship between coping, perfectionism, and anxiety in DPT students has not been assessed. Subjects. Convenience sample of DPT students in their first through third years across 8 different DPT programs (n = 206). Methods. This paper was a cross-sectional, nonexperimental, multisite project. A hierarchical linear regression assessed the relationship between variables (demographics, coping, perfectionism, state anxiety, and trait anxiety). Results. Approximately 81.5% of the sample reported being not a perfectionist, 7.0% maladaptive perfectionists, and 11.5% adaptive perfectionists. Students using adaptive coping comprised 72.3% of the sample, whereas 28.0% used primarily maladaptive coping mechanisms. State Trait Anxiety Inventory scores were higher for this sample of DPT students when compared with published studies in the normal population. Significant predictor variables for state anxiety were sex, type of coping strategies used, and class year in the DPT program. For trait anxiety, sex, coping strategy type, maladaptive perfectionism, and class year were significant. Discussion and Conclusion. There is a predictive relationship between sex, type of coping strategies used, and year within the DPT program for both state and trait anxiety in DPT students. Presence of maladaptive perfectionism was an additional predictive variable for trait anxiety. This knowledge can help educational institutions better identify at-risk students for anxiety and tailor programs to better meet the individual needs of our students.

Understanding the Relationship Between the Multidimensional Perfectionism and Self-Compassion in Adults: The Effect of Age.

Literature suggests that perfectionism is associated to self-compassion. However, the multiple relationships between the types of perfectionism (adaptive, maladaptive and non-perfectionists) and the multidimensional construct of self-compassion have not been thoroughly examined. To this end, the present study aimed (a) to examine the relationships between the types of perfectionism and the self-compassion components in an adult sample and (b) to check the effect of age on the relationship between the perfectionistic types and the self-compassion components. Participants were 509 adults aged 18 to 65 years. Self-report questionnaires were used to collect the data. Results indicated that High Standards positively predicted all self-compassion components while Discrepancy positively predicted Self-judgment and Isolation and overidentification and negatively predicted Self-Kindness and mindfulness and Common humanity. In addition, it was found that adaptive perfectionists and non-perfectionists reported higher levels on the positive components of self-compassion and lower levels on its negative components, compared to maladaptive perfectionists. With respect to age, participants in established (30-45 years) and middle (46-65 years) adulthood reported higher levels on the positive self-compassion components and lower levels on its negative components compared to young adults (18-29 years), while participants in emerging adulthood scored higher on both the dimensions of perfectionism (adaptive and maladaptive) compared to participants in established and middle adulthood. Finally, age moderated only the relationship between adaptive perfectionism and Isolation and overidentification. Future directions and implications are being discussed.

Parenting Styles and Adolescents Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Chinese Culture: A Test of the Mediating Effect of Perfectionism

Adolescents mental health has become a global concern, with a significant proportion experiencing common mental health disorders. This study investigates the intricate dynamics of parenting styles, maladaptive perfectionism, and their influence on the mental health of adolescents from middle-class families in China. Through an online survey, this study gathered data from 283 adolescents, exploring their parenting experiences, levels of perfectionism and common mental health problems. The current study was conducted by using scales and the analysis of variance, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. A significant association was found between authoritarian parenting styles and an increase in common mental health disorders. In contrast, authoritative parenting styles were protective, further illustrating the importance of parenting styles in the well-being of adolescents. Socially prescribed perfectionism was a noteworthy mediator, revealing its role in generating mental health problems. The study also explored gender and family structure differences in parenting styles. The study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay of factors that influence adolescent mental health. Moreover, the study contributes to targeted interventions to improve the health of adolescents, especially in different cultural contexts.

Effects of a brief self-compassion intervention for college students with impostor phenomenon.

The present study used a latent growth curve modeling approach to (a) examine the effectiveness of a brief self-compassion intervention on reducing impostor phenomenon, maladaptive perfectionism, and psychological distress and (b) explore who would benefit more from this intervention. A total of 227 college students at a large Midwest university were randomly assigned to participate in either a 4-week brief self-compassion intervention group or a nonintervention control group. Analyses of the effectiveness of the intervention suggested the brief self-compassion intervention had significant treatment effects for reducing impostor phenomenon and maladaptive perfectionism. Moreover, this study also examined whether participants with different levels of fear of self-compassion and core self-evaluation would report different levels of treatment effectiveness. Fear of self-compassion was found to be a significant moderator of the intervention effects in reducing maladaptive perfectionism and psychological distress. Specifically, participants in the intervention group with higher levels of fear of self-compassion reported a greater decline in both maladaptive perfectionism and psychological distress over time when compared to those with lower levels of fear of self-compassion. Core self-evaluation significantly moderated the effectiveness of this intervention in reducing participants' levels of impostor phenomenon and maladaptive perfectionism. Specifically, participants in the intervention group with lower core self-evaluation reported a greater reduction in maladaptive perfectionism over time when compared to those with higher core self-evaluation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Attachment and Social Connectedness: The Sequential Mediating Role of Inferiority and Perfectionism

A large body of research has been reported on the lifelong consequences of attachment, with social connectedness being one of the main related factors. It is thus crucial to determine the mediating variables in the relationship between attachment and social connectedness. To better understand the relationship between anxious and avoidant attachment styles and social connectedness among university students, this study investigated the sequential mediating roles of inferiority and perfectionism. The study involved 390 undergraduate students (257 female, 133 male) enrolled in various undergraduate programs. Data was collected through various scales including the Experiences in Close Relationships, Almost Perfect Scale, Social Connectedness, and Inferiority Scale. Structural equation modeling shows that adaptive perfectionism partially mediates the relationship between avoidant attachment and social connectedness. Additionally, inferiority functions as a mediator between anxious attachment and maladaptive perfectionism, while maladaptive perfectionism partially functions as a mediator between inferiority and social connection. The results suggest that it would be beneficial for practitioners to address inferiority and perfectionism so as to promote social connectedness among undergraduate students. Keywords: Attachment, inferiority, perfectionism, social connectedness

The Association between Nonsuicidal Self-Injury and Perfectionism in Adolescence: The Role of Mental Disorders.

Previous evidence has drawn attention to the fact that maladaptive perfectionism is a risk factor for engagement in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Until now, few studies have examined this topic, especially among community adolescents. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between perfectionism dimensions and NSSI functions to examine the potential mediating effect of mental disorders. Altogether, 146 Hungarian community adolescents (ages 13-18 years) were involved. All participants completed the Hungarian adaptation of the Inventory of Statements about Self-Injury (ISAS), the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS), and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Kid. To analyse the interrelationships among NSSI, perfectionism, and mental disorders, we conducted regression and network analysis. Of the 146 adolescents, 90 (61.64%, girls: 71.11%) engaged in NSSI. The Concern over Mistakes and Doubts about Action scales of the FMPS significantly and positively predicted both NSSI intrapersonal and interpersonal motivation, with comparable effect sizes, and this association was fully mediated by anxiety disorders. There was a significant direct negative relationship between the FMPS Organisation dimension and both main NSSI functions. This study draws attention to an increasing trend and the extremely high NSSI prevalence rate among community adolescents. Adolescents with perfectionistic concerns are at heightened risk for anxiety disorders, which can increase their vulnerability to NSSI engagement.

Examining the Relationship Between Maladaptive Perfectionism and Social Anxiety: The Mediating Role of Self-Compassion.

Previous studies have indicated a relationship between perfectionism and social anxiety symptoms, but the mechanisms between these concepts are not well-defined yet. This study focused on the mediator role of self-compassion in the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and social anxiety symptoms controlling self-esteem. It is hypothesized that maladaptive perfectionism would be related to lower levels of self-compassion and lower levels of self-compassion related to greater social anxiety symptoms controlling self-esteem. The sample consisted of 389 university students who completed a battery of instruments, including measures of The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), The Big Three Perfectionism Scale (BTPS), The Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Simple mediation analyses with bootstrapping demonstrated that self-compassion has a significant mediator role in the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and social anxiety when self-esteem is not included in the model. However, results also revealed that the indirect effect of self-compassion is no longer significant when self-esteem is included in the model as a covariate. Findings suggest that self-compassion has no mediator role independent from self-esteem in the context of perfectionism and social anxiety.

Investigation of the relationship between gifted students' attitudes to collaborative learning and their perfectionist structure

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between gifted students' attitudes towards cooperative learning and their perfectionist structures and to investigate the views of gifted students on perfectionism and cooperative learning. This research is a mixed method research. Relational survey design was used in the quantitative part of the study. The relationship between the perfectionism levels of gifted students and their participation in cooperative learning environments was examined. In the qualitative part of the study, case study was used. By making more detailed examinations with semi-structured interview questions, it is aimed to touch on the perfectionist structures of gifted students and the reasons underlying the basic thoughts that affect whether they want to participate in cooperative learning environments or not. The sample of the research consists of 5th grade 242 gifted students studying at Science and Art Centers in Istanbul. In data collection, the Attitude Scale of Gifted Students towards Cooperative Learning and the Compatible-Incompatible Perfectionism Scale to determine their level of perfectionism. As a result of the research, it can be stated that students' attitudes towards cooperative learning are high, adaptive perfectionism is high, and maladaptive perfectionism is low. In the study, it was determined that there was a weak, positive and significant relationship between students' adaptive perfectionism and their attitudes towards avoidance and cooperative learning. It was determined that there was a moderate, positive and significant relationship between students' adaptive perfectionism and disposition. Accordingly, it can be said that as adaptive perfectionism increases, attitudes towards avoidance, disposition and cooperative learning increase. It was determined that adaptive perfectionism was a significant predictor of students' attitudes towards cooperative learning scale avoidance and disposition sub-dimension and attitude scores towards cooperative learning. According to this result, it can be said that the avoidance sub-dimension scores in their attitudes towards cooperative learning can be predicted by examining the adaptive perfectionism scores or situations of the students. Findings obtained semi-structured interview questions show that students have positive and negative attitudes towards cooperative learning and perfectionism. In line with the findings, suggestions are presented.