Abstract
According to the perfectionism social disconnection model (PSDM), perfectionism leads to social disconnection (e.g., isolation,
loneliness, and alienation) which brings about depressive symptoms. The present study extended the PSDM by testing a dual-pathway
mediation model wherein social disconnection and hazardous drinking were hypothesized to explain why perfectionistic attitudes
(e.g., intense self-criticism, evaluative concerns, and unrealistic goal-setting) result in depressive symptoms. A sample
of 216 college students participated. The present study utilized a cross-sectional design and self-report questionnaires.
The hypothesized model fit the data well, with social disconnection and hazardous drinking mediating the perfectionistic attitudes-depressive
symptoms link. Students high in perfectionistic attitudes report feeling isolated, lonely, and alienated. To escape this powerful
sense of not belonging, these students turn to alcohol in a self-destructive way. Suffering from the ill effects of social
disconnection and hazardous drinking, students high in perfectionistic attitudes are vulnerable to depressive symptoms.
loneliness, and alienation) which brings about depressive symptoms. The present study extended the PSDM by testing a dual-pathway
mediation model wherein social disconnection and hazardous drinking were hypothesized to explain why perfectionistic attitudes
(e.g., intense self-criticism, evaluative concerns, and unrealistic goal-setting) result in depressive symptoms. A sample
of 216 college students participated. The present study utilized a cross-sectional design and self-report questionnaires.
The hypothesized model fit the data well, with social disconnection and hazardous drinking mediating the perfectionistic attitudes-depressive
symptoms link. Students high in perfectionistic attitudes report feeling isolated, lonely, and alienated. To escape this powerful
sense of not belonging, these students turn to alcohol in a self-destructive way. Suffering from the ill effects of social
disconnection and hazardous drinking, students high in perfectionistic attitudes are vulnerable to depressive symptoms.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s10862-012-9291-8
- Authors
- Simon B. Sherry, Department of Psychology and Psychiatry, Life Sciences Centre, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, PO BOX 15000, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H4R2, Canada
- Paul L. Hewitt, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Sherry H. Stewart, Department of Psychology and Psychiatry, Life Sciences Centre, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, PO BOX 15000, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H4R2, Canada
- Anna L. Mackinnon, Department of Psychology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Aislin R. Mushquash, Department of Psychology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Gordon L. Flett, Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dayna L. Sherry, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Journal Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment
- Online ISSN 1573-3505
- Print ISSN 0882-2689