Abstract
The present study examined the empirical and conceptual association between two definitions of trait mindfulness (socio-cognitive and mindfulness-meditation) and trait, cognitive, and self-presentational components of perfectionism. These associations were investigated in a student sample of emerging adults (n = 390), who completed measures of trait perfectionism, perfectionistic self-presentation, perfectionistic cognitions, trait mindfulness-meditation, and trait socio-cognitive mindfulness. Hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed that socially prescribed perfectionism was negatively related to the non-reactivity and acting with awareness facets of mindfulness-meditation, while self-oriented perfectionism had a positive relationship with the novelty seeking and novelty producing facets of socio-cognitive mindfulness. Perfectionistic cognitions were negatively associated with non-judging. Non-display and non-disclosure of imperfections were also negatively associated with facets of mindfulness-meditation and socio-cognitive mindfulness. Level of study (i.e., undergraduate or graduate) did not moderate the associations between perfectionism and mindfulness variables. Our study provides evidence for negative and positive associations between specific mindfulness facets and components of perfectionism. The results have implications for a theoretical and empirical understanding of the relationship between perfectionism and mindfulness and can inform the design of interventions to teach students how to cope with distressing forms of perfectionism during emerging adulthood.
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