The Role of Self-Compassion Among Adaptive and Maladaptive Perfectionists in University Students

Abstract

Using the tripartite model of perfectionism that accounts for combined characteristics of the Perfectionistic Strivings and Perfectionistic Concerns dimensions, this study explored the mediating role of self-compassion to explain differences between adaptive and maladaptive perfectionists in four psychological distress domains: depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and academic distress. A sample of 3,112 university students were classified into adaptive, maladaptive, and nonperfectionists. Results of mediation analyses comparing adaptive and maladaptive perfectionists indicated that adaptive perfectionists reported significantly greater self-compassion and lower psychological distress levels in all four areas. Self-compassion significantly mediated the associations between perfectionist groups in all four domains. These findings were largely supported across various ethnic and international student groups in the analyses by subgroups. Furthermore, parallel mediation analyses demonstrated the unique contributions of individual self-compassion subscales as mediators. Implications for clinical practice, training, and future research are discussed.

Understanding the relationship between the multidimensional perfectionism and self-compassion in adults: The effect of age

“…Findings reporting low levels of positive self-compassion components and high levels of negative self-compassion components in maladaptive perfectionists may be related to and explained by the irrational cognitions associated with the constant desire of being perfect and the intolerance towards flaws and imperfections ( Abdollahi et al, 2020 ; Ferrari et al, 2018 ). According to Kawamoto and his colleagues (2023) , individuals dealing with maladaptive perfectionism hold unattainable desires for flawlessness and exceptionally lofty standards that make them hypercritical about themselves. This conduct could be due to their inclination towards self-validation instead of internalizing self-compassion ( Tobin & Dunkley, 2021 ).…”

“…Studies have found that adaptive perfectionists tend to report higher levels on positive self-compassion components than maladaptive perfectionists, because they are able to acknowledge their imperfections without harsh self-criticism and are more likely to practice self-care ( Stoeber & Damian, 2014 ; Stoeber & Otto, 2006 ). In addition, they demonstrate mindfulness and kindness towards themselves to manage the stress associated with striving for excellence ( Kawamoto et al, 2023 ). It seems that, by cultivating a sense of self-compassion and accepting one's own imperfections alongside striving for excellence, individuals can achieve higher levels of well-being while avoiding the negative effects often seen in non-adaptive forms of perfectionism, since the challenges are faced as an opportunity for growth and improvement ( Dunkley et al, 2003 ).…”

Perfectionism and social anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

“…On the other hand, mixed support has been garnered for the link between perfectionistic strivings and social anxiety. Some studies have found a positive relationship between perfectionistic strivings and social anxiety (Juster et al, 1996), while others have found a negative relationship (Kawamoto et al, 2023), or no relationship (Levinson et al, 2013; Nepon et al, 2011). Some researchers suggest that perfectionistic strivings is only linked to psychopathology if it occurs in the presence of perfectionistic concerns (Alden et al, 2002).…”

The Role of Self-Compassion and Attributions in the Mental Health of Older Adolescents amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Self-compassion can moderate or even nullify the harmful effects of negative attributions, which is undoubtedly the most exciting finding thus far. Kawamoto et al [82] found that self-compassion plays a significant role in dividing adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism; it has an adaptive function for perfectionists who inevitably need to accept their imperfections. According to Shin and Lim [7], self-kindness can affect individuals' mental health, as registered in our correlation analysis.…”