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

Lisa Tran*, Katharine A. Rimes

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Introduction Literature 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. Method A cross-sectional online self-report questionnaire was administered to students (n = 641), which assessed perfectionism, unhelpful beliefs about emotions, emotional suppression and depressive symptomatology. Results Bootstrapping 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. Conclusion It 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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)144-147
Number of pages4
JournalPersonality and Individual Differences
Volume110
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2017
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology

Keywords

  • Beliefs
  • Depression
  • Emotion suppression
  • Perfectionism
  • Students

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