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Using SEM to Examine the Dimensions of Perfectionism and Investigate the Mediating Role of Self-Esteem Between Perfectionism and Depression in China

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 June 2012

Bin Zhang  and
Taisheng Cai
Bin Zhang
Affiliation:
Department of Applied Psychology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, China
Taisheng Cai*
Affiliation:
Medical Psychological Research Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China
*
address for correspondence: Taisheng Cai, The Medical Psychological Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, P.R. China. Email: zb303@163.com
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Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine the nature of perfectionism, to gain a better understanding of the construct using the Chinese population. The study also explored the relationships between perfectionism, self-esteem and depression after identifying the three dimensions of perfectionism. A sample of 292 Chinese university students completed the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS), the Hewitt Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (HMPS), the Almost Perfect Scale — Revised (APS-R), the Self-Esteem Scale (SES), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). As hypothesised, the confirmatory factor analyses revealed that multidimensional perfectionism is explained as a three-factor construct with dimensions of maladaptive perfectionism, adaptive perfectionism and order factor. As predicted, the structural equation model analyses indicated that self-esteem partially mediated the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and depression. Implications for counselling interventions and future research are discussed.

Keywords

perfectionismself-esteemdepressionmediatorsschool counsellor
Type
Articles
Information
Journal of Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools , Volume 22 , Issue 1 , June 2012 , pp. 44 - 57
Copyright
Copyright © The Authors 2012

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