From Me to We: Pathways Linking Perfectionism, Mindfulness, Self-Compassion and Mental Health

Objective: Perfectionism has been identified as a risk factor for poor mental health. This study based on Mindfulness Stress Buffering theory examined whether mindfulness, self-compassion, and other resilience factors mediate the relationship between perfectionism and mental health. Methods: Undergraduates at a public research university (n = 421, 66% White, 64% female) completed an online survey measuring maladaptive perfectionism, trait mindfulness, self-compassion, social connection, self-control, and emotion regulation. Results: Higher trait mindfulness and self-compassion correlated with lower perfectionism and psychological distress, and greater social connection, self-control, and well-being. Correlations were consistent between Honors and Non-Honors students. Only social connection (indirect effect: ꞵ = -.13, p < .001) mediated the relationship between perfectionism and well-being, whereas both social connection and self-control partly mediated the relationship between perfectionism and psychological distress (indirect effects: ꞵ = .09 and ꞵ = .06; p’s < .01). The multivariable path model explained 24% of the variance in well-being and 42% in distress. Conclusion: Social connection may be more important than mindfulness or self-compassion in buffering perfectionism's negative impact on mental health. Interventions aiming to enhance well-being and reduce distress among perfectionistic individuals may benefit from prioritizing social connectedness and belonging, rather than mindfulness or compassion in isolation.