Perfectionism and self-compassion among emerging adults: The role of disciplining experiences

Although the influence of disciplining experiences on a variety of personality factors has been studied, there is less clarity on how disciplining experiences influence the traits of perfectionism and self-compassion in individuals. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between different domains of perfectionism and self-compassion, as well as the influence of specific aspects of disciplining experiences, such as parental warmth and punishment experiences, on perfectionism and self-compassion. In this study, a quantitative cross-sectional correlational design was used. A total of 220 Indian emerging adults from the city of Bangalore were surveyed via convenience sampling. The following scales were administered: Disciplining Experiences Measure, Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, and Self-Compassion Scale. The results showed that (1) Self Compassion has a significant positive relationship with Perfectionism; (2) Punishment experience has an influence on Other-oriented and Socially Prescribed Perfectionism; (3) Disciplining Helped positively predicted Self-oriented Perfectionism; and (4) Parental Warmth positively predicted Self-compassion in individuals. The findings contribute to the literature emphasizing the influence of disciplining experiences on one’s self and personality, as well as the potential benefits of self-compassion-based interventions.