MODERATING EFFECTS OF SELF-EFFICACY IN THE RELATIONS OF PERFECTIONISM AND DEPRESSION

The purpose of this study was to provide a better understanding of the link between perfectionism and depression by examining the role of self-efficacy as a moderator in the relationship. Using a convenient sampling method, a sample of 570 university students completed Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) and The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Correlational analyses indicated that maladaptive perfectionism was positively correlated with depression, and negatively correlated with self-efficacy. In contrast, adaptive perfectionism was positively correlated with self-efficacy, and was not correlated with depression. Moreover, the present study confirms the moderating effect of self-efficacy between maladaptive perfectionism and depression in Chinese university students. The results support the notion that adaptive perfectionism is distinct from maladaptive perfectionism. Some practical implications of the present findings are discussed.