Perfectionism and depression: Longitudinal assessment of a specific vulnerability hypothesis.

Authors:
  • GFGordon L. Flett
    Gordon L. Flett
  • EEEvelyn Ediger
    Evelyn Ediger
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Abstract
The authors tested whether perfectionism dimensions interact with specific stress to predict depression over time. A sample of 103 current and former patients completed measures of perfectionism and depression at Time 1 and measures of stress and depression 4 months later. After controlling Time 1 depression, self-oriented perfectionism interacted only with achievement stress to predict Time 2 depression. Socially prescribed perfectionism did not interact with achievement or social stress to predict Time 2 depression, but it did predict Time 2 depression as a main effect. The results provide support for the contention that perfectionism dimensions are involved in vulnerability to depression over time.