An examination of emotion dysregulation in maladaptive perfectionism

Perfectionism and Emotion Regulation in the Study of Suicidal Ideation in Portuguese Young Adults

Suicide is a serious public health problem worldwide, being the culmination of a process that normally begins with suicidal ideation. Therefore, it is important to assess suicidal ideation and know its risk factors. The association between perfectionism and suicidal ideation has been widely debated in the literature. However, knowledge about the role of emotion regulation in this relationship is scarce. The main objective of this investigation was thus to study the role of emotion regulation in the relationship between perfectionism and suicidal ideation in young adults. A sample of 224 Portuguese young adults was recruited through an online form which assessed suicidal ideation, perfectionism, and emotion regulation. The results showed a positive relationship between suicidal ideation and emotion regulation difficulties. There was also a positive association between emotion regulation difficulties and perfectionism, especially regarding the strategies and dimensions of maladaptive perfectionism. The relationship between perfectionism and suicidal ideation was fully mediated by emotion regulation difficulties. Increases in emotion regulation difficulties from increased perfectionism could contribute decisively to increasing the risk of suicidal ideation. Thus, the assessment of perfectionism and emotion regulation difficulties can promote the prevention and psychological interventions for suicidal behavior.

The Mediating Role of Emotion Dysregulation in the Association Between Perfectionism and Eating Psychopathology Symptoms

INTRODUCTION

This study explored the possible mediating role of emotion dysregulation in the association between perfectionism and eating psychopathology symptoms.

METHOD

One hundred forty-two outpatients with eating disorders (EDs) were enrolled. Perfectionism, emotion dysregulation, ED psychopathology, anxious and depressive symptoms were assessed. Correlation, mediation and 95% bias corrected and accelerated (BCa CI) bootstrapped analyses were run.

RESULTS

Emotion dysregulation was found to mediate the association between concern over mistakes perfectionism and restraint (indirect effect: 0.093, BCa CI: 0.001-0.02, adjusted R2 = 0.3324, p < 0.001), shape concern (indirect effect: 0.0130, BCa CI: 0.004-0.03, adjusted R2 = p < 0.001) and weight concern (indirect effect: 0.0142, BCa CI: 0.004-0.03, adjusted R2 = 0.2986, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Among ED outpatients, emotion dysregulation may be involved in the association between concern over mistakes perfectionism and persistence of eating psychopathology symptoms. Emotion dysregulation could be considered as possible therapeutic target to reduce the persistence, and severity, of eating psychopathology symptoms among ED patients with concern over mistakes perfectionism.

The role of self-compassion in mediating the effect of perfectionism on personal growth initiative in dental hygienists

OBJECTIVE

This study explored perfectionism, self-compassion and personal growth initiative in clinical dental hygienists.

METHODS

Cross-sectional survey research was conducted with a non-probability sample of clinical dental hygienists (n = 877). The survey had 55 items and consisted of three validated instruments: Frost's Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale-Brief (including evaluative concerns and perfectionistic striving subscales), Neff's Self-Compassion Scale and Robitschek's Personal Growth Initiative Scale. Descriptive, correlation, t-test, ANOVA and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationships among variables. Mediation analysis was conducted to determine the presence of a mediated moderation effect of self-compassion on perfectionism and personal growth initiative.

RESULTS

The completion rate for the survey was 89% (n = 788). Evaluative concerns (M = 11.83) and perfectionistic strivings (M = 15.44) among dental hygienists were high, levels of self-compassion (SC) were moderate (M = 2.87) and levels of personal growth initiative (PGI) were low (M = 38.07) compared to others not in the dental field. The mediation analysis found that SC mediates the relationship between perfectionistic evaluative concerns and PGI. It was also determined that SC mediates the relationship between perfectionistic strivings and PGI.

CONCLUSION

Dental hygienists have high levels of perfectionism and may lack necessary levels of self-compassion to counteract those perfectionistic tendencies resulting in a decrease in taking the initiative to engage in opportunities for growth. This suggests the importance of dental hygienists developing a more adaptive perfectionism to balance self-criticism along with not having unrealistic expectations for perfection while engaging in self-compassion that includes self-kindness and mindfulness to support their continued growth.

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

INTRODUCTION

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.

METHOD

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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSIONS

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.

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.

The relationship between clinical perfectionism and nonsuicidal self-injury: The roles of experiential avoidance, self-esteem, and locus of control

OBJECTIVES

Perfectionism is linked to nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Individuals with elevated perfectionism tend to avoid undesirable emotions and experience lower self-esteem, which are associated with NSSI. However, it is unclear if these mechanisms explain the link between clinical perfectionism and NSSI, and if locus of control is involved. We aimed to explore whether experiential avoidance and self-esteem would mediate the relationship between clinical perfectionism and NSSI, and if locus of control would moderate links between clinical perfectionism and both experiential avoidance and self-esteem.

METHOD

As part of a larger study, 514 Australian university students (Mage  = 21.15 years, SD = 2.40; 73.5% female) completed an online survey of NSSI, clinical perfectionism, experiential avoidance, self-esteem, and locus of control.

RESULTS

Clinical perfectionism was associated with NSSI history, but not with recent NSSI or past year NSSI frequency. Lower self-esteem, but not experiential avoidance, mediated links between clinical perfectionism and NSSI history, recent NSSI, and NSSI frequency. More external locus of control was associated with NSSI, experiential avoidance, and lower self-esteem, but locus of control did not moderate pathways between clinical perfectionism and experiential avoidance or self-esteem.

CONCLUSION

University students reporting elevated clinical perfectionism may have a tendency to experience lower self-esteem which is associated with NSSI history, recency, and severity.

Exploring the associations between early maladaptive schemas and impulsive and compulsive buying tendencies

The main purpose of this preliminary study was to investigate a potential relationship between early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) and impulsive and compulsive buying tendencies in a sample of young adults (college students). This research adds to the cognitive perspective of consumer behavior that the cognitive schemas putatively associated with early experiences may have a strong impact on impulsive and compulsive buying. Data was obtained from 365 participants in a cross-sectional study design. Participants completed an online survey with the following instruments: Young Schema Questionnaire; Impulsive Buying Tendency Measurement Scale; Richmond Compulsive Buying Scale; and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Using multiple linear hierarchical regressions, we confirmed that the domain of over vigilance and inhibition schemas was positively associated with impulsive and compulsive buying tendencies, while an opposite association was found for the domain of impaired limits. Being a female was also a predictor of impulsive buying and compulsive buying. The results were discussed in terms of the coping mechanisms to deal with negative emotions, as a way to obtain rewards, or as a way to escape painful self-awareness. Other mechanisms related to the internalization of perfectionist expectations and the propensity to shame were also explored.

The effectiveness of short-term dynamic/interpersonal group therapy on perfectionism; assessment of anxiety, depression and interpersonal problems

Perfectionism is acknowledged as a core vulnerability and a perpetuating factor in several psychopathologies. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of short-term psychodynamic/interpersonal group psychotherapy for perfectionism and perfectionism-related distress such as anxiety, depression, and interpersonal problems. This study is a quasi-experimental study applying clinical trial method and contains pre-test, post-test, follow-up periods and control group. The study population included students and the sample consisted of 30 people with extreme perfectionism, who were assigned in two groups of 15 people, experimental and waiting list groups using randomized block design. Research instruments included Tehran Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, Perfectionistic Self Presentation Scale, Perfectionistic Cognition Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Beck Anxiety Inventory and Inventory of Interpersonal Problems-32. In order to analyse the collected data, mixed analysis of variance and Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance were used in SPSS software version 22. The results show that the intervention in the experimental group compared to the waiting list group caused a clinically and statistically significant decrease in the mean scores. This result is observable and evident in all levels of perfectionism and psychological distress (anxiety, depression and interpersonal problems), except for the subscale of Non-Display of Imperfection from the Perfectionistic Self Presentation Scale. These results were preserved through the follow-up periods. These results show that short-term dynamic/interpersonal group therapy is effective in treating most of the components of perfectionism and concerning its effectiveness; it reduced psychological distress and showed that the components pertaining to perfectionism are factors of vulnerability in this regard.

Are Perfectionists Always Dissatisfied with Life? An Empirical Study from the Perspective of Self-Determination Theory and Perceived Control

Compared to non-perfectionists, perfectionists may not be satisfied with the growing needs in their lives to the same extent. To test whether perfectionists are dissatisfied with their lives, we investigated whether trait perfectionism attenuates the relationship between basic psychological needs, perceived control, and life satisfaction. A total of 574 college students self-reported basic psychological needs, perceived control, life satisfaction, and perfectionistic strivings and concerns, with a mean age of 19.53 (SD = 1.61), including 299 women and 275 men. A correlation analysis showed that perfectionistic strivings were significantly positively related to life satisfaction, while perfectionistic concerns were significantly negatively related to life satisfaction. The moderation analysis showed that perfectionistic strivings not only moderated the relationship between basic psychological needs and life satisfaction but also moderated the relationship between perceived control and life satisfaction. Individuals with high perfectionistic strivings generally reported high levels of life satisfaction. Perfectionistic strivings, however, reduced the positive relationship between perceived control and life satisfaction. Perfectionistic concerns moderated the relationship between perceived control and life satisfaction-the higher the perfectionistic concerns, the weaker the positive relationship between perceived control and life satisfaction. The study found that individuals with high perfectionistic tendencies are not always dissatisfied with life, but that perfectionism weakens the relationship between basic psychological needs, perceived control, and life satisfaction. We argue that one way to improve happiness is by coaching individuals who are highly perfectionistic to become self-aware of their personality so both their perfectionistic strivings and concerns are more coherent with their values and goals or character.

"Be perfect in every respect": the mediating role of career adaptability in the relationship between perfectionism and career decision-making difficulties of college students

BACKGROUND

Considering the weakening of the economy and the shrinkage of jobs under the current global epidemic crisis, the employment of college graduates is facing unprecedented and cruel competition. However, many college students lack a reasonable understanding and orientation of themselves, which leads to them having high expectations for future careers and not considering whether they are competent or not. Due to a lack of ability and self-confidence, they appear to be at a loss and hesitant when facing career choices. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between perfectionism, career adaptability and career decision-making difficulties from both positive and negative aspects.

METHODS

We sampled 400 college students in China and used a questionnaire to obtain cross-sectional data through the Perfectionism, Career Adaptability, and Career Decision Difficulties scales. This study explored the relationship between them using statistical analysis software such as SPSS and AMOS through the results of correlation analysis and mediating role analysis.

RESULTS

College students' perfectionism, career adaptability, and career decision-making difficulties were significantly correlated (p < 0.01). Positive perfectionism has a negative predictive effect on career decision-making difficulties, and career adaptability plays a completely mediating role in it (the direct effect is -0.032, the mediation effect is -0.244, and the total effect is -0.276.). Negative perfectionism plays a positive predictive role in career decision-making difficulties, and career adaptability plays a part in mediating roles (the direct effect is 0.334, the mediating effect is 0.099, and the total effect is 0.433.).

CONCLUSIONS

College students will more or less pursue "perfect", but often with their own preferences to pursue, cannot be done based on the rational analysis of things to pursue perfect. College students have higher positive perfectionism and negative perfectionism, and their career adaptability is also at a higher level, but there is a higher degree of career decision-making difficulties. Positive perfectionism of college students can reduce the difficulty of career decision-making, and career adaptability plays a completely mediating role in it. Negative perfectionism of college students will lead to difficulties in career decision-making, in which career adaptability plays a mediating role.

Perfectionism dimensions: A network analysis of their relationships with affect and obsessive-compulsive pathological personality traits

This study investigated the associations of multidimensional perfectionism with positive affect and negative outcomes (affect and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder [OCPD] pathological traits) through network analysis. The sample consisted of 604 Brazilian adults aged 18-74 years. The network analysis showed that perfectionistic concerns (PC) is strongly and positively associated with negative outcomes, while perfectionistic strivings (PS) maintain positive associations with positive affect, but not negative affect. Negative affect seems to operate as a bridge between perfectionism and OCPD pathological traits, raising crucial questions about the antecedent and consequential role of affect for understanding perfectionism's development and the traits observed in individuals with OCPD. We discuss the limitations and strengths of the study.

Perfectionism and Emotional Intelligence: A Person-Centered Approach

This study examined the relationship between perfectionistic concerns (PC) and perfectionistic strivings (PS) with the subcomponents of emotional intelligence (EI) through a latent class person-centered approach. A sample of 1582 Ecuadorian adolescents (619 females) aged from 12 to 18 was employed. The trait meta-mood scale-24 (TMMS-24) and the child and adolescent perfectionism scale (CAPS) were used, respectively, for assessing three subcomponents of EI (i.e., emotional attention, emotional clarity, and mood repair) and two perfectionist dimensions (PC and PS). A three-class solution (High perfectionism, moderate perfectionism, and nonperfectionism) was identified by using latent class analysis. High perfectionism significantly scored higher on emotional attention in comparison with the moderate and nonperfectionism classes, with small and moderate effect sizes. Overall, results suggest that people with high perfectionism might be at greater risk of developing maladaptive emotional self-regulation strategies, such as rumination, because of their tendency to excessively attend their negative mood states.

Perfectionism and community-identity integration: the mediating role of shame, guilt and self-esteem

Recent years have been marked by a rise in perfectionism in developed countries. Studies have shown that dimensions of perfectionism are related to the way people handle identity crises, whose successful resolution leads to finding a place within the adult community. In the present study, we aimed to show that two dimensions of perfectionism – perfectionistic strivings and perfectionistic concerns – are related to the outcomes of identity formation and that these relationships are mediated by shame and guilt-proneness, and self-esteem. A path mediation model showed that shame and self-esteem fully mediate the relationship between two dimensions of perfectionism and community-identity. These findings have both theoretical and practical implications. Firstly, they show the mechanism by which perfectionism may be related to identity stage resolution. Secondly, our results support the distinction between perfectionistic strivings expressing drive towards excellence, and perfectionistic concerns expressing fear of failure and fear of being judged in identity studies. This in turn may contribute to more fitting and nuanced psychotherapeutic interventions, as it justifies the application of psychotherapeutic tools aimed at reducing perfectionistic concerns and enhancing perfectionistic strivings.

Cognitive reappraisal moderates the relationship between perfectionism and cognitive flexibility

OBJECTIVE

Characterized by setting high standards for performance, perfectionism is a transdiagnostic process implicated in the development and maintenance of psychopathology. In contrast, cognitive flexibility is associated with enhanced mental health. Yet, the relationship between perfectionism and cognitive flexibility is understudied. We examined the relationship between perfectionism and cognitive flexibility, and whether emotion regulation strategies moderated the association between them.

METHOD

Adult participants (N = 486) were recruited online and completed questionnaires on perfectionism, emotion regulation and cognitive flexibility.

RESULTS

Perfectionism negatively correlated with one of the two aspects of cognitive flexibility assessed. Reappraisal, but not suppression, moderated the relationship between perfectionism and flexibility.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that perfectionism is associated with inflexible appraisal of everyday challenges. Additionally, cognitive reappraisal attenuates the negative relationship between perfectionism and cognitive flexibility; except in individuals with high narcissistic perfectionism for whom the debilitating relationship between the two variables is enhanced by reappraisal.

Self-critical perfectionism and lower mindfulness and self-compassion predict anxious and depressive symptoms over two years

This study of 124 community adults examined whether perfectionism interacts with mindfulness and self-compassion to predict anxiety and depressive symptoms over two years. Participants completed measures of self-critical (SC) and personal standards (PS) higher-order dimensions of perfectionism at Time 1; mindfulness and self-compassion domains and facets at Time 2 one year later; and general distress (i.e., shared between depression and anxiety), anxious arousal, and anhedonic depressive symptoms at Time 1, Time 2, and Time 3 two years after baseline. In contrast to PS, SC perfectionism was associated with lower mindfulness and self-compassion domains and facets. Hierarchical regression analyses of moderator effects demonstrated that individuals with higher Time 1 SC perfectionism and lower Time 2 domain mindfulness or self-compassion had higher Time 3 general distress symptoms than others, adjusting for the effects of Time 1 and Time 2 symptoms. SC perfectionism also interacted with specific facets of mindfulness (i.e., observing, nonreactivity) and self-compassion (i.e., self-kindness, mindfulness, over-identification) to predict Time 3 general distress and/or anxious arousal symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of fostering mindfulness and self-compassion to reduce vulnerability to anxious and depressive symptoms in individuals with higher SC perfectionism.