Interpersonal perfectionism and social anxiety: The mediational role of mindfulness.

Abstract

Previous research has demonstrated that interpersonal aspects of perfectionism are related to increased trait social anxiety. The present research examined if trait mindfulness was a mediator of that relationship in students. Participants were undergraduate-(n = 227) and graduate-level (n = 215) students enrolled in Canadian institutions. Students completed a series of measures of perfectionistic self-presentation, trait perfectionism, social interaction anxiety, social phobia, and trait mindfulness. We found a positive association between nondisplay and nondisclosure of imperfections with social interaction anxiety, as well as a positive association between socially prescribed perfectionism and nondisplay of imperfections with social phobia. Level of study did not moderate the associations between components of perfectionism and social anxiety. Trait mindfulness mediated the associations between interpersonal components of perfectionism and two aspects of trait social anxiety (i.e., social interaction anxiety and social phobia). Our results have implications for the understanding of the mechanisms through which interpersonal perfectionism is related to social anxiety. While more research is needed, future interventions could implement mindfulnessbased strategies for students experiencing distress from perfectionistic tendencies and social anxiety. Public Significance StatementPerfectionism has been suggested to elicit social disconnection that predisposes one to various forms of distress such as social anxiety. Trait mindfulness, or lack thereof, was conceptualized as a form of disconnection and was found to explain the relationship that interpersonal forms of perfectionism had with social interaction anxiety and social phobia.

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

“…More recent research has proposed that perfectionism is a transdiagnostic factor of a diversity of mental health disorders, including social anxiety disorder (Egan et al, 2011; Soodla & Akkermann, 2023). Despite considerable interest in the relationship between perfectionism and social anxiety (e.g., Cox & Chen, 2015; Gautreau et al, 2015; Manova & Khoury, 2023; Wang et al, 2022) there has not been a review to clarify which dimensions of perfectionism have particular relevance to social anxiety.…”

“…However, different dimensions of perfectionism appear to show differing relevance, highlighting the need to consider the magnitude of these relationships. Research has consistently shown that perfectionistic concerns, including dimensions such as socially prescribed perfectionism, doubts about actions, and concerns over mistakes, are positively associated with social anxiety (Levinson et al, 2015; Manova & Khoury, 2023; Wheeler et al, 2011). On the other hand, mixed support has been garnered for the link between perfectionistic strivings and social anxiety.…”

“…Social anxiety and perfectionism are considered distinct psychological phenomena, yet putatively related. At the core of social anxiety is the affective experience of anxiety, it applies specifically to the interpersonal domain, and its etiology stems from the motivation to maintain social bonds to optimize survival (Maner & Kenrick, 2010). Perfectionism is commonly considered a trait that is expressed in one or more life domains.…”

Be Careful What You Wish For: The Double-Edged Sword of Perfectionism During Graduate Studies

“…As a result, studies categorizing graduate students in groups (e.g., latent profiles) have suggested that adaptive perfectionism is preferable to non-perfectionism (Humphrey & Causey-Upton, 2023;Morpeth-Provost et al, 2022). Furthermore, the associations of perfectionistic standards with negative affectivity and symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, and reduced life satisfaction have been small (Comerchero & Fortugno, 2013;Cowie et al, 2018;Manova & Khoury, 2023), null/negligible (Berry et al, 2021;Foo et al, 2017;Moate et al, 2019;Onwuegbuzie & Daley, 1999), and potentially underestimated. In light of recent conceptual advancements, findings from past studies should be approached with caution, recognizing the necessity of more clearly distinguishing the pursuit of perfectionistic standards from the pursuit of high standards.…”