(PS7-72) Perfectionistic Self Presentation hinders help-seeking and contributes to social disconnection

Abstract Text:

Introduction: Perfectionism is known to lead to maladjustment and suicide via the social disconnection (i.e., social hopelessness) according to the Perfectionism Social Disconnection Model. Although various interventions including cognitive behavioral therapies have been developed, highly perfectionistic individuals often struggle to build a therapeutic alliance, which can lead to a higher drop-out rate from interventions. Therefore, research is needed to identify the mechanisms of maladjustment, with the aim of connecting perfectionistic individuals to appropriate psychotherapies. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of Perfectionist Self Presentation (PSP), a behavioral style of perfectionism, on help seeking and social disconnection.

Methods: 117 university students (36 males, 81 females; Mean age = 19.70) participated in an online questionnaire survey. The questionnaire was composed of measures of perfectionism traits, PSP, help seeking (expectation and resistance toward receiving help, intentions), and social disconnection (interpersonal hopelessness). In addition to professional help seeking, help-seeking from friends and family was also examined. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses and mediation analyses were conducted. The bootstrap method was used to test for indirect effects.

Results: First, non-disclosure or non-display of imperfection (PSP sub-dimensions) were significantly associated with help seeking; these dimensions negatively explained expectation (βs = -.434~-.362, ps < .01), positively explained resistance (βs = .282~.555, ps < .05), and negatively explained intention to help seeking from friends and family (βs = -.335~-.286, ps < .05), even after controlling for perfectionism traits. In contrast, no significant effect was observed in help seeking from professionals. Second, the relationship between non-disclosure of imperfection and interpersonal hopelessness was mediated by help seeking (expectation, resistance, and intention) from friends and family (Indirect effects: βs = .090~.257). Third, resistance to help seeking mediated the relationship between all facets of PSP and interpersonal hopelessness (Indirect effects: βs = .102~.257).

Discussion: These findings indicate the importance of focusing on PSP rather than perfectionism traits in interventions. While perfectionism traits are relatively stable, behavior such as PSP may be more changeable, thus interventions for PSP could be more effective. The results suggest that encouraging the disclosure of imperfections to familiar individuals, rather than exclusively to professionals, and reducing resistance to receiving help may contribute to mitigating social disconnection.