Perfectionism and self-compassion as predictors of psychopathology: A cross-sectional study in clinical and non-clinical populations

Background: Perfectionism has been widely recognized as a transdiagnostic risk factor for psychopathology, whereas self-compassion is considered a protective factor associated with better mental health. Although existing literature has focused on the independent impact of perfectionism and self-compassion on psychopathology, limited studies have examined their combined predictive role. Aim: This study sought to examine the combined predictive role of perfectionism and self-compassion in psychopathology. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 60 participants, including 30 clinical and 30 non-clinical participants. Participants were assessed using the multidimensional perfectionism scale, the self-compassion scale, and the depression anxiety stress scales-21. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics. Results: Clinical participants showed significantly higher levels of perfectionism, including self-oriented perfectionism (SOP) ( t = 2.62, P = 0.011), other-oriented perfectionism (OOP) ( t = 3.21, P = 0.002), and socially prescribed perfectionism (SPP) ( t = 2.91, P = 0.005), and lower self-compassion total (SCT) ( t = 3.09, P = 0.003). SPP was negatively correlated with SCT ( r = -0.31, P = 0.017) and significantly predicted SCT (β = -0.31, P = 0.017, R 2 = 0.095). Logistic regression analysis indicated that SPP increased the likelihood of belonging to the clinical group (odds ratio [OR] =1.051, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.000–1.104]), whereas SCT decreased this likelihood (OR = 0.237, 95% CI [0.064–0.877]). Conclusion: The findings indicate that higher SPP is associated with greater odds of belonging to the clinical group, whereas higher self-compassion is associated with lower odds. Interventions aimed at reducing maladaptive perfectionism and enhancing self-compassion may promote psychological well-being.