Perfectionistic Self-Presentation and Trait Perfectionism in Social Problem-Solving Ability and Depressive Symptoms

This study examined social problem solving and perfectionistic self-presentation, and assessed whether social problem solving mediates the association between perfectionism and depression. A sample of 200 community members completed measures of perfectionistic self-presentation, trait perfectionism, social problem-solving ability, and depression. Correlational analyses confirmed that perfectionistic self-presentation and socially prescribed perfectionism are both associated with a negative problem-solving orientation. Tests of mediating effects revealed that negative problem-solving ability mediates the associations of socially prescribed perfectionism and perfectionistic self-presentation with depressive symptoms, particularly among women. The findings support further exploration of mediational models linking perfectionism, problem-solving ability, and depression and suggest that people who display high perfectionistic self-presentation are particularly vulnerable to stress and distress and should benefit from problem-solving training.