Objectives
Past studies reported that self-compassion did not significantly moderate the association between perfectionistic standards and psychological distress. Recent research highlighted the need to separate high standards (i.e., excellencism) from perfectionistic standards. Based on the Model of Excellencism and Perfectionism, this study reexamined the moderating role of self-compassion in the distinctive association of excellencism and perfectionistic standards with psychological distress and well-being.
Methods
A cross-sectional design with a sufficiently powered sample of 583 university students (Mage = 22.80, SD = 3.45) who completed measures of excellencism, perfectionism, self-compassion, psychological distress, and psychological well-being. Multiple regression analyses and moderated multiple regressions were conducted to test relationships between the variables.
Results
Self-compassion significantly moderated the relationship between perfectionistic standards and psychological distress. At low levels of self-compassion, students pursuing perfection (perfection strivers; high on perfectionism and excellencism) had significantly higher psychological distress compared to students pursuing excellence (excellence strivers; high on excellencism and low on perfectionism). Furthermore, self-compassion significantly moderated the relationship between excellencism and psychological well-being. The difference in psychological well-being between the nonexcellence/nonperfection (low on perfectionism and excellencism) and excellence strivers was significantly attenuated at high levels of self-compassion.
Conclusions
When clearly separating excellencism and perfectionism, self-compassion acted as a moderator of the debilitative effects associated with perfectionistic standards. Although perfection strivers are generally more self-critical than excellence strivers, those who practice self-compassion seem to be able to reduce their risk of experiencing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.