Narcissism, perfectionism, and self-promoting behavior on social networking sites among university students in Pakistan / Narcisismo, perfeccionismo y comportamiento de autopromoción en sitios de redes sociales entre estudiantes universitarios en Pakistán

Existe un debate considerable en la literatura sobre cómo el narcisismo predice diversos comportamientos asociados con la utilidad de los sitios de redes sociales, pero los investigadores han prestado menos atención a explorar los mediadores potenciales de esta relación. Con base en la literatura existente, anticipamos que el narcisismo predice comportamientos de autopromoción en los sitios de redes sociales. El estudio actual también investigó el papel mediador del perfeccionismo multidimensional entre el narcisismo y el comportamiento de autopromoción. Se recopiló un total de 605 cuestionarios completos de estudiantes de universidades de Rawalpindi e Islamabad, Pakistán, mediante un muestreo conveniente. El estudio utilizó el Inventario de Personalidad Narcisista (Ames et al., 2006), un cuestionario de desarrollo propio sobre comportamiento de autopromoción en sitios de redes sociales y la Escala de Perfeccionismo Multidimensional (Hewitt et al., 1991). Los hallazgos indicaron que las mujeres en comparación con los hombres y las solteras en comparación con las casadas obtuvieron puntuaciones más altas en narcisismo. Los niveles educativos más altos se asociaron con tasas más altas de narcisismo. Los resultados también sugieren que el narcisismo se correlaciona con el perfeccionismo orientado a uno mismo y, más significativamente, con el narcisismo orientado a los demás. El perfeccionismo orientado a uno mismo y a los demás medió significativamente la relación entre el narcisismo y el comportamiento de autopromoción en los sitios de redes sociales.(AU)

There is considerable debate in the literature about how narcis-sism predicts various behaviors associated with the utility of social net-working sites, but researchers have paid less attention to exploring the po-tential mediators of this relationship.Based on the existing literature, we anticipated that narcissism predicts self-promoting behaviors on social networking sites. The current study also investigated the mediating role of multidimensional perfectionismbetween narcissism and self-promoting behavior. A total of 605 complete questionnaires weregathered fromstu-dents from universities from Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan using convenient sampling. The study used Narcissistic Personality Inventory (Ames et al., 2006), self-developed Self-promoting Behavior on social net-working sites questionnaire, and the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (Hewitt et al., 1991). Findings indicated that females as compared to males and single as comparedto married individuals scored higher on narcissism. Higher educational levels were associated with higher rates of narcissism. The results also suggestthat narcissism correlated with self-oriented per-fectionism, and more significantlywith others-oriented narcissism. Self-oriented and others-oriented perfectionism significantly mediated the rela-tionship between narcissism and self-promoting behavior on social net-working sites.(AU)

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.

Unraveling symptom interplay: a network analysis of procrastination in gifted students.

BACKGROUND: This study explores the intricate web of symptoms experienced by academically gifted high school students, focusing on procrastination, rumination, perfectionism, and cognitive flexibility. The well-being of these gifted adolescents remains a pivotal concern, and understanding the dynamics of these symptoms is vital. METHODS: A diverse sample of 207 academically gifted high school students from Mashhad, Iran, participated in this study. Using convenience sampling, participants from grades 10, 11, and 12 were included, with detailed assessments conducted through questionnaires measuring the mentioned symptoms. RESULTS: Our network analysis uncovers compelling insights into the interplay of these symptoms: Procrastination, though moderately central, exerts significant influence within the network, underscoring its relevance. Cognitive flexibility, while centrally positioned, curiously exhibits a negative influence, potentially serving as a protective factor. Negative perfectionism emerges as the keystone symptom, with both high centrality and a positive influence. Rumination displays substantial centrality and a positive influence, indicating its role in symptom exacerbation. Positive perfectionism, moderately central, lacks direct influence on other symptoms. CONCLUSION: This network analysis provides a nuanced understanding of the relationships among procrastination, rumination, perfectionism, and cognitive flexibility in academically gifted adolescents. Negative perfectionism and cognitive flexibility emerge as critical factors deserving attention in interventions aimed at enhancing the well-being of this unique group. Further research should explore causal relationships to refine targeted interventions.

Investigating the relationship between personality traits of hardiness and perfectionism with stress and psychosomatic symptoms: a cross-sectional study among nurses in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Medical and health sector employees are always exposed to physical and psychological risk factors, which affects their personal, social and professional performance. It's important to explores the intricate interplay between personality traits, stress levels, and psychosomatic symptoms among nurses as one of the most sensitive jobs in society. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigating the relationship between the personality traits of hardiness and perfectionism with stress and psychosomatic symptoms among nurses. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 340 nurses in Mazandaran, Iran in 2022-2023. The instruments utilized to collect data included four questionnaires, namely Cubasa Hardiness Questionnaire, Tehran Multidimensional Perfectionism Questionnaire, Nursing Stress Questionnaire and Takata and Sakata Psychosomatic Questionnaire. The structural equations modeling was used for path analysis. All analyzes were done using SPSS V.25.0 and AMOS V.24.0 software. RESULTS: The results of the present study revealed that the prevalence of psychosomatic symptoms and stress in nurses was high, and all path coefficients were significant, except for the paths of commitment to stress, challenge to psychosomatic symptoms, self-orientation to psychosomatic symptoms, and community-orientation to psychosomatic symptoms. The results showed that in the final model, the highest coefficient (0.807) is assigned to the other-oriented perfectionism path to psychosomatic symptoms. The weakest coefficient (-0.276) is related to the path of the hardiness component of the challenge to stress. The current research examined the fitting of the proposed model and the suitability of the proposed model was confirmed. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study revealed that psychological factors such as personality traits of hardiness, and perfectionism are among the important and influencing parameters on occupational stress, and psychosomatic symptoms and as a result the efficiency and effectiveness of nurses in working environments. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to implement mitigating and control measures to reduce the mentioned risk factors among nurses in medical settings.

"Age of traumatic experience as a predictor of distorted body image in patients with eating disorders".

The timing of trauma exposure is a risk factor for the development of psychopathology in adulthood. We aim to assess the presence of adverse life events (ALEs) before age 13 in patients with eating disorders (ED). Specifically, we examined the relationship between exposure to interpersonal trauma before the age of 13 and body image distortion (BID), impulsivity, and perfectionism. We conducted a cross-sectional, retrospective study in which 79 outpatients with ED were consecutively enrolled. Assessment was performed using the Traumatic Life Event Questionnaire, Contour Drawing Rating Scale, and Eating Disorder Inventory. Linear regression models were used to analyze the predictive role of interpersonal trauma before age 13 on BID perfectionism and impulsivity. Seventy-two patients (91.1%) reported ALEs throughout their lives. Patients with trauma before age 13 (55.6%) overestimated their shape. Patients with ED and bulimic symptoms had significantly higher BID levels. Interpersonal trauma predicted higher levels of impulsivity and perfectionism. Experiencing interpersonal ALEs before age 13 may be a risk factor for the development of BID, impulsivity, and perfectionism in adulthood. Body image can be modified during childhood through interventions focused on identifying stressful relationships.

Childhood is important for the construction of self-image. When people feel threatened in relationships they trust, they feel ashamed and guilty. These emotions could lead to ED and BID. To explore this, we conducted a study on how ALEs during childhood influence the way we perceive our bodies. We asked participants with ED to close their eyes and sense their bodies. We then invited them to choose a shape from a list of nine figures with different shapes. Participants who experienced childhood trauma chose a shape that was distorted with respect to their actual figure. We believe that closing the eyes connects people to their inner emotions and influences their body appreciation. This will help patients identify and treat negative emotions so that they feel more comfortable with their bodies.

Is repeated mistake-making an effective treatment strategy for perfectionism? Findings from a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Perfectionism has been linked to self-criticism, procrastination, and psychological disorders. In a previous study, an exposure-based treatment for perfectionism (ETP), which included exposures targeted at concern over mistakes, showed positive outcomes when compared to waitlist. The aim of this study was to further investigate ETP by comparing it to a stress-management condition and assessing durability of treatment effects by conducting a one-month follow-up assessment. METHODS: Eighty-five individuals with elevated perfectionism were randomly assigned to receive ETP (n = 43) or a stress management treatment (n = 42). ETP involved repeatedly practicing mistake-making by completing computerized tasks engineered to cause individuals to make mistakes. The stress management condition included listening to videos and answering questions about healthy habits, such as diet, exercise, and sleep, as well as viewing calming videos. Participants completed eight treatment sessions as well as baseline, post-test, and one month follow-up self-report questionnaires. RESULTS: Contrary to predictions, compared to ETP, stress management led to significantly lower overall perfectionism, depression, generalized anxiety, and social anxiety at post and significantly lower depression, generalized anxiety, and social anxiety at follow-up. Further, individuals who completed ETP did not habituate to the exposure tasks, but distress increased from the first to the last treatment session. LIMITATIONS: The duration of treatment was relatively brief. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of using active psychological control conditions in treatment outcome studies and the need to test various components of treatments for perfectionism to observe what may be effective or even potentially iatrogenic.

Comparison of Perfectionism Between Music and Medical Students and its Association with Anxiety.

OBJECTIVES: Perfection is a central goal for many musicians and health professionals. The present study compared perfectionism between music and medical students to examine whether perfectionism is adaptive or maladaptive and how it evolves during university studies. Furthermore, the association between perfectionism and anxiety was investigated in both populations to determine possible implications for mental and general health. METHODS: 110 music students (61 F, avg age 23.2 yrs) and 281 medical students (209 F, avg age 23.3 yrs) took part in the study. Perfectionism was surveyed using two multidimensional perfectionism scales and anxiety was measured using the State-Trait-Anxiety-Inventory. Subscales and total scores of the perfectionism scales were compared within and between groups and correlated with the anxiety measures. RESULTS: Music and medical students did not differ in their level of perfectionism. However, music students in the early semesters showed significantly (p = 0.009) stronger maladaptive perfectionism (mean 0.3, SD 1.4) than students from more senior semesters (-0.3, 1.7). Musicians from early semesters also scored higher on "parental expectations and criticism" (p = 0.04), showed more "concerns over mistakes and doubts" (p = 0.009), and perfectionism in general (p = 0.01). Analysis of the anxiety measure showed a strong correlation (rs = 0.55) between maladaptive perfectionism and anxiety for the music students. Semester and age had no influence on anxiety. Maladaptive perfectionism and adaptive perfectionism both correlated significantly with anxiety in medical students. CONCLUSION: Music and medical students had similar levels of perfectionism. Medical students maintained a consistent level of perfectionism throughout their studies, while music students were more perfectionistic at the beginning of their education. For both groups, perfectionism was significantly correlated with anxiety.

Perfectionism, self-esteem, and affective symptoms in anorexia nervosa subtypes: A network analysis of French inpatients.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have highlighted the relevance of perfectionism, self-esteem, and anxio-depressive symptoms in anorexia nervosa (AN). However, the relationships between these factors and cardinal eating disorders (ED) symptoms remain unclear, particularly in AN subtypes. This study aimed to examine their interconnections using network analysis. METHOD: The sample included n = 338 inpatients with AN who completed the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Using network analysis, we estimated three networks: full sample, AN-restrictive (AN-R) and AN-binge/purging (AN-BP) subtypes. We estimated central and bridge symptoms using expected influence and conducted an exploratory network comparison test to compare AN subtypes. RESULTS: Overvaluation of Weight and Shape, Concern over Mistakes, and Personal Standards were consistently central in all networks. The most central bridge symptoms across all networks were Concern over Mistakes and Self-Esteem. Concern over Mistakes bridged perfectionism and ED symptoms, while Self-Esteem was highly connected to all symptom clusters. Anxiety was significantly more central in the AN-R network compared to the AN-BP network. CONCLUSIONS: The present study contributes to a growing body of network studies suggesting that nodes related to perfectionism are just as central as cardinal ED symptoms, indicating the relevance of perfectionism in ED pathology. The high bridge centrality of self-esteem suggests that it may be an important link between perfectionism, mood, and ED symptoms. Future research should investigate the efficacy of targeting multiple psychological factors in the treatment of AN, as well as their potential transdiagnostic relevance.

Perfectionistic Self-Presentation and Psychopathology: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Decades of research implicate perfectionism as a risk factor for psychopathology. Most research has focused on trait perfectionism (i.e., needing to be perfect), but there is a growing focus on perfectionistic self-presentation (PSP) (i.e., the need to seem perfect). The current article reports the results of a meta-analysis of previous research on the facets of PSP and psychopathology outcomes (either clinical diagnoses of psychiatric disorders or symptoms of these disorders). A systematic literature search retrieved 30 relevant studies (37 samples; N = 15,072), resulting in 192 individual effect-size indexes that were analysed with random-effect meta-analysis. Findings support the notion of PSP as a transdiagnostic factor by showing that PSP facets are associated with various forms of psychopathology, especially social anxiety, depression, vulnerable narcissism and-to lesser extent-grandiose narcissism and anorexia nervosa. The results indicated that there both commonalities across the three PSP and some unique findings highlighting the need to distinguish among appearing perfect, avoiding seeming imperfect and avoiding disclosures of imperfections. Additional analyses yielded little evidence in the results across studies including undergraduates, community samples and clinical samples. Our discussion includes a focus on factors and processes that contribute to the association between PSP and psychopathology.

A pilot feasibility and acceptability trial of an internet indicated prevention program for perfectionism to reduce eating disorder symptoms in adolescents.

PURPOSE: Perfectionism is a transdiagnostic risk factor for eating disorders. Treating perfectionism can reduce symptoms of eating disorders. No research has examined an indicated prevention trial using internet-based Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Perfectionism (ICBT-P) in adolescent girls at elevated risk for eating disorders. Our aim was to conduct a preliminary feasibility trial using a co-designed ICBT-P intervention. It was hypothesised that a higher proportion of participants in the ICBT-P condition would achieve reliable and clinically significant change on perfectionism, eating disorders, anxiety and depression, compared to waitlist control. METHODS: Twenty-one adolescent girls with elevated symptoms of eating disorders (M age = 16.14 years) were randomised to a 4-week online feasibility trial of a co-designed ICBT-P prevention program or waitlist control. Qualitative surveys were used to gain participant perspectives. RESULTS: The ICBT-P condition had a higher proportion of participants achieve reliable change and classified as recovered on perfectionism and symptoms of eating disorders and anxiety, compared to waitlist control. Qualitative findings indicated that 100% of participants found the program helpful. CONCLUSION: The results indicate ICBT-P is a feasible and acceptable program for adolescent girls with elevated eating disorder symptoms. Future research is required to examine outcomes in a randomised controlled trial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III: Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: This trial was prospectively registered with Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12620000951954P) on 23/09/2020.

Moderating effect of self-esteem between perfectionism and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder among Lebanese adults.

BACKGROUND: Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a new diagnosis added to the DSM-5 characterized by pathological eating habits without body image disturbances. Previous findings demonstrated a general association between high levels of perfectionism and low levels of self-esteem in association with general eating disorders. However, research is scant when it comes to ARFID specifically. Subsequently, although self-esteem is seen to moderate the association between perfectionism and general eating disorders, this research study aims to explore the same moderation but with ARFID specifically. METHODS: For this study, 515 Lebanese adults from the general Lebanese population were recruited from all over Lebanon, 60.1% of which were females. The Arabic version of the Big Three Perfectionism Scale- Short Form (BTPS-SF) was used to measure self-critical, rigid and narcissistic perfectionism; the Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder screen (NIAS) was used to score the ARFID variable; the Arabic-Single Item Self-Esteem (A-SISE) was the scale used to measure self-esteem. RESULTS: Across the different perfectionism types, self-esteem was seen to moderate the association between narcissistic perfectionism and ARFID (Beta = - 0.22; p =.006). At low (Beta = 0.77; p <.001), moderate (Beta = 0.56; p <.001) and high (Beta = 0.36; p =.001) levels of self-esteem, higher narcissistic perfectionism was significantly associated with higher ARFID scores. CONCLUSION: This study brought to light some crucial clinical implications that highlight the need for interventions that help in the enhancement of self-esteem in patients with high perfectionism and ARFID. This study suggests that clinicians and healthcare professionals should focus more on risk factors influencing the development and maintenance of ARFID-like symptoms.

Perfectionism, disordered eating and well-being in aesthetic sports: The mediating role of passion.

Aesthetic athletes face higher risks of disordered eating, and perfectionism is one of the determinants involved. While research suggests that perfectionism in sport may play a role in physical and psychological well-being, its influence remains to be confirmed. As such, further examination of the influence of perfectionism on health is warranted as it could lead to better interventions. This preregistered research sought to shed new light on these relationships by investigating the mediating role of passion in the perfectionism-disordered eating relationship as well as physical and psychological well-being in aesthetic sports. In Study 1, 229 American recreational and competitive athletes practicing either gymnastics (n = 150) or artistic swimming (n = 79) were recruited on MTurk to complete an online questionnaire. The same recruitment procedure was used for Study 2, with 107 American gymnasts (n = 69) and artistic swimmers (n = 38) completing the questionnaire at two timepoints, one year apart. Results from path analyses showed that socially prescribed perfectionism was associated with obsessive passion, which in turn was associated with disordered eating. Self-oriented perfectionism was associated with both obsessive and harmonious passion, the latter being more adaptative as it was associated with physical and psychological well-being. Thus, the way one engages in aesthetic sports matters, as engaging with obsessive passion may take a toll on one's health and lead to disordered eating. Conversely, fostering harmonious engagement seems to temper the negative associations between perfectionism and health outcomes and promote positive relationships with athlete's well-being, but requires further study.

A parental burnout modelling based on perfectionism mediated through self-compassion in parents of students suffering from specific learning behavioral disorder.

The association between parental burnout and perfectionism, and whether and to what extent it is mediated by self-compassion, in case of mothers of children with Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) were rarely investigated in the related literature. To fill the gap felt, the present study aimed at providing a model for self-compassion, parental burnout, and perfectionism. The participants were 305 mothers of children with SLD, from Hamedan province, Iran, who had been referred to the relevant treatment centers between 2020 and 2021. Selected through convenience sampling, they took part in the study by completing three questionnaires, i.e., Parental Burnout Assessment (Roskam et al., 2018), Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (Hewitt & Flett, 1991), and Self-Compassion Scale (Neff, 2003). To fit the model, structural equation modelling was conducted in Amos v24 software. It was found that self-compassion mediates the negative relationship between parental burnout and perfectionism. It can be concluded that women during motherhood become emotionally vulnerable and are susceptible to face psychological challenges and such challenges can be exacerbated in the case of mothers of children with SLD or other learning disabilities.

Do perfectionism, body image concerns, and intimacy predict genitopelvic pain in the postpartum? A prospective study of new mothers.

BACKGROUND: Genitopelvic pain following childbirth is common and likely to challenge the psychological, relational, and sexual well-being of new mothers. While genitopelvic pain generally decreases during the postpartum period, personal and interpersonal characteristics may explain why genitopelvic pain persists beyond the period of physical recovery in some mothers. Body image concerns, increased stress, and relationship challenges would be particularly salient during pregnancy and the postpartum period, which could put new mothers at greater risk of sexual difficulties. Also, mothers may display a negative appraisal regarding genitopelvic pain and doubt their ability to cope with it, which may contribute to the pain. AIM: The current study aimed to examine the role of perfectionism, body image concerns, and perceived intimacy in the occurrence and change in genitopelvic pain in new mothers in postpartum. METHODS: A total of 211 new mothers and their partners were recruited for a larger prospective dyadic study on the transition to parenthood. OUTCOMES: Mothers completed a single item assessing genitopelvic pain, in addition to brief validated questionnaires measuring perfectionism, body image concerns, and perceived couple intimacy during pregnancy and at 4, 8, and 12 months postpartum. RESULTS: Five multilevel modeling analyses revealed that adaptive perfectionism, maladaptive perfectionism, and body image concerns were associated with a higher occurrence of genitopelvic pain from 4 to 12 months postpartum. Mothers' and partners' perceived intimacy was not significantly related to new mothers' genitopelvic pain. None of the predictors modified the trajectory of genitopelvic pain over time. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Raising awareness among health care professionals regarding the role of perfectionism and body image concerns in genitopelvic pain may help them identify new mothers at risk of chronic genitopelvic pain, while offering a new avenue of intervention. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: There has been little research examining the role of perfectionism, body image concerns, and intimacy in postpartum genitopelvic pain. Based on a longitudinal prospective approach, this study identified perfectionism and body image concerns as significant predictors of postpartum genitopelvic pain. However, prepregnancy genitopelvic pain, genitopelvic pain intensity, and sexual distress were not measured. CONCLUSION: Adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism and body image concerns are associated with new mothers' genitopelvic pain up to 12 months postpartum.

Relationship between perfectionism, overactivity, pain severity, and pain interference in individuals with chronic pain: A cross-lagged panel model analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Overactivity is a characteristic of individuals with chronic pain. Previous cross-sectional studies demonstrated a relationship between perfectionism and overactivity. Therefore, the present study used a longitudinal design to determine whether pain severity and pain interference were exacerbated by overactivity and whether overactivity was exacerbated by perfectionism. METHODS: Participants with chronic pain were recruited using crowdsourcing. The participants completed the questionnaires at three time points: T1, T2, and T3 (September, October, and November 2021, respectively). The questionnaire assessed overactivity, perfectionistic strivings, perfectionistic concerns, pain severity, and pain interference. We created cross-lagged panel models to examine the hypothesized relationships among pain, overactivity, and perfectionism. RESULTS: After excluding ineligible participants and invalid response sets, we analyzed the questionnaires completed by 666 participants at T1, 560 at T2, and 554 at T3. The average duration of chronic pain at T1 was 36.35 ± 53.53 months. Perfectionistic strivings were partially linked to overactivity, and pain interference was partially related to overactivity. Contrary to our expectations, overactivity did not predict pain severity or pain interference. CONCLUSIONS: The hypotheses that perfectionism exacerbates overactivity and that overactivity exacerbates pain severity and pain interference were not supported. These results may have been affected by the quality of the assessment of overactivity. Therefore, further research with a refined evaluation of overactivity is required.

Direct, indirect, and reciprocal associations between perfectionism, compulsive exercise and eating disorder pathology in adolescents with eating disorders.

BACKGROUND: There is a strong association between perfectionism and eating disorders. In a cognitive-behavioural model of compulsive exercise it has been suggested there are reciprocal associations between perfectionism, eating disorder pathology, and compulsive exercise. No study has examined if there is an indirect association between perfectionism and compulsive exercise through eating disorder pathology, which would inform a preliminary understanding of the cognitive-behavioural model of compulsive exercise. METHODS: The sample included 301 adolescent females diagnosed with eating disorders (age M = 14.89, SD = 0.85, range 13-17). We tested models of direct and indirect associations of compulsive exercise in the relationship between perfectionism and eating disorder pathology, and direct and indirect associations of eating disorder pathology in the relationship between compulsive exercise and perfectionism. RESULTS: Perfectionism was directly associated with eating disorder pathology and compulsive exercise. Perfectionism was indirectly associated with eating disorder pathology through compulsive exercise. Perfectionism also had an indirect association with compulsive exercise through eating disorder pathology. DISCUSSION: The findings suggest it would be useful for future prospective research to examine the cognitive-behavioural model of compulsive exercise in adolescents with eating disorders. Compulsive exercise and perfectionism may be useful targets for future research to improve eating disorder treatment. Level of evidence Level V: Opinions of respected authorities, based on descriptive studies, narrative reviews, clinical experience, or reports of expert committees.

Treating perfectionism via the Internet: a randomized controlled trial comparing cognitive behavior therapy to unified protocol.

Perfectionism can be problematic when your self-worth is dependent on achievements and leads to inflexible standards, cognitive biases, and rigid behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy for perfectionism is shown to be effective, including for targeting psychiatric symptoms and when delivered via the Internet (iCBT-P). However, few studies have compared it to an active comparator. The current study randomly assigned 138 participants seeking help for perfectionism to iCBT-P or Internet-based Unified Protocol (iUP). Both treatments provided guidance on demand from a therapist and were eight weeks in duration. The results indicated large within-group effects of Cohen's d 2.03 (iCBT) and 2.51 (iUP) on the Clinical Perfectionism Questionnaire at post-treatment, and maintained effects at 6- and 12-month follow-up, but no between-group difference (ß = 0.02, SE = 1.04, p = .98). Secondary outcomes of depression, anxiety, quality of life, self-compassion, procrastination, and stress ranged from small to large, with no differences between the conditions. Both treatments were deemed credible, relevant, of high quality, and well-adhered by the participants. Further research needs to be conducted, but the findings could indicate a lack of specificity, perhaps suggesting there is no need to differentiate between different treatments that are transdiagnostic in nature.

The triangle of anxiety, perfectionism, and academic procrastination: exploring the correlates in medical and dental students.

INTRODUCTION: Academic procrastination is a common phenomenon among medical science students. This issue can negatively affect the students' academic performance. The aim of this study was to investigate perfectionism and anxiety as potential predictors of academic procrastination in medical and dental students. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical and dental students of a public medical sciences university in the south of Iran. Students were assessed using the procrastination assessment scale for students (PASS), Tehran multidimensional perfectionism scale (TMPS), and anxiety subscale of the general health questionnaire (GHQ). Predictors of academic procrastination were evaluated using multiple regression analysis with adjustments made for gender and academic semester. RESULTS: A total of 176 medical and 79 dental students participated in the study. None of the perfectionism components were predictors of academic procrastination. However, anxiety was a significant predictor of academic procrastination in the total sample of students (standardized ß = 0.404, p < 0.001), as well as dental (standardized ß = 0.356, p < 0.001) and medical (standardized ß = 0.478, p < 0.001) students. Anxiety and academic procrastination were both negatively correlated with students' grade point averages. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that anxiety, as opposed to perfectionism, has a more significant influence on academic procrastination among medical and dental students. Interventions aimed at lowering anxiety may be beneficial for reducing academic procrastination, thereby enhancing the academic performance of the students.

Cultural threads in writing mastery: a structural analysis of perfectionism, learning self-efficacy, and motivation as mediated by self-reflection in Chinese EFL learners.

BACKGROUND: The study explores language acquisition in Chinese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education, where English proficiency is crucial for global opportunities. As China gains prominence, the demand for English skills rises beyond communication to include academic and business success. The Chinese education system emphasizes proficient English writing for further education and professional achievement. This research investigates the complex linguistic context for EFL learners in China, analyzing the intersection of psychological factors, cultural nuances, varied pedagogy, and individual experiences. METHODS: Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is utilized for analysis, enabling the creation of a metric set to explore intangibles such as perfectionism, learning self-efficacy, motivation, study habits, cultural influences, and introspection. The research utilizes a diverse sample from multiple universities across different regions of China, incorporating demographic factors to encompass the varied characteristics within the EFL learner community. RESULTS: Results reveal that perfectionism (ß = 0.30, p < 0.001), learning self-efficacy (ß = 0.25, p = 0.005), motivation (ß = 0.35, p < 0.001), study habits (ß = 0.20, p = 0.01), and self-reflection (ß = 0.28, p < 0.001) significantly predict writing proficiency. Cultural effects (Beta = 0.15, p = 0.05) show a statistically significant, albeit minimal, impact. Mediation-moderation analysis underscores perfectionism as a mediator (Beta = 0.25, p = 0.005), emphasizing its influence on other predictors. Cultural factors act as moderators (Beta = 0.15, p = 0.01), shaping the link between predictors and writing skills. The combined mediation and moderation effects on writing proficiency are positively significant (Beta = 0.20, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This study makes a significant theoretical contribution, enhancing existing models and providing practical insights for EFL educators and policymakers. Emphasizing the intricate relationship between psychological factors and cultural dynamics underscores the necessity for a sophisticated, culturally sensitive approach to language acquisition in Chinese EFL instruction. Beyond language skills, the research recognizes the importance of fostering a conducive environment that encourages personal development, socio-cultural awareness, and a holistic learning approach.

A randomised controlled evaluation of an online perfectionism intervention for people with disordered eating - how perfect does it need to be?

Less help-seeking for an eating disorder is predicted by higher levels of denial of, and failure to perceive, illness severity. This research evaluates a "backdoor" approach to early intervention by investigating whether internet cognitive behaviour therapy for perfectionism can significantly improve disordered eating. Additionally, we investigated whether a more interactive intervention impacted outcomes. Participants were recruited worldwide online; 368 were screened, 172 (46.7%) met inclusion criteria (endorsed high shape, weight, or eating concerns) and randomised to an interactive (Focused Minds Program; FMP) or static PDF intervention (Centre for Clinical Intervention; CCI-P) or waitlisted (control condition). Participants completed assessments on disordered eating, perfectionism, and a range of secondary variables at the end of treatment, and 1- and 3-month follow-up. Intent-to-treat analyses indicated that, compared to control, FMP resulted in significantly lower levels of disordered eating at each assessment and CCI-P at the 1- and 3-month follow-up (respective 3-month follow-up between group effect sizes of 0.78 and 0.54). There were no significant differences between the two active interventions on any measure except depression and hated self. Results suggest an alternative approach to directly tackling disordered eating that is low-cost is effective, with a more interactive intervention producing a more rapid effect.Trials Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) Trial Number: ACTRN12621001448831.