The Effect of Socially Prescribed Perfectionism on Depression: The Mediating Effect of Self-criticism and Self-silence

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of socially prescribed perfectionism on depression through the mediating roles of self-criticism and self-silencing. The main findings were as follows: First, socially prescribed perfectionism, self-criticism, self-silencing, and depression showed significant correlations with one another. Second, self-criticism mediated the relationship between socially prescribed perfectionism and depression. Third, self-silencing also mediated the relationship between socially prescribed perfectionism and depression. Fourth, self-criticism and self-silencing sequentially mediated the relationship between socially prescribed perfectionism and depression. These findings suggest that individuals with high levels of socially prescribed perfectionism tend to harshly criticize themselves and suppress their true selves in interpersonal relationships in order to meet rigid standards. However, this suppression and sense of disconnection may ultimately lead to depression. The implications and limitations of the study were discussed based on these findings.