Date of Graduation

Spring 2024

Degree

Master of Science in Psychology

Department

Psychology

Committee Chair

Amber Abernathy

Abstract

Numerous studies have examined the effects of various personality traits on social functioning. Perfectionism is a multidimensional personality trait that has been related to lower social connection and perceived social support. The Perfectionism Social Disconnection Model (PSDM) suggests that perfectionism traits lead to interpersonal disconnection as those with perfectionism are inclined to intensely fear rejection due to the innate need to be accepted by others. Conflictingly, this leads to a distant presentation in social relationships, impeding interpersonal connection. While researchers have employed several variables to further examine the interpersonal nature of perfectionism, neuroticism has yet to be considered in the model as a factor that may impact this relationship. This study aimed to reestablish the relationship between dimensions of perfectionism, neuroticism, and perceived social support while evaluating whether neuroticism moderates the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and perceived social support. While the results confirmed the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and neuroticism as well as adaptive perfectionism and perceived social support, the moderating effect of neuroticism on the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and perceived social support was not found. The implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.

Keywords

adaptive perfectionism, maladaptive perfectionism, perceived social support, neuroticism, perfectionism social disconnection model

Subject Categories

Personality and Social Contexts | Social Psychology

Copyright

© Brooklynn Madison Cook

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