Self-esteem as a mediator between perfectionism and mental health outcomes

Abstract

Objective: In line with the Two Continua Model of Mental Health, this study investigated whether self-esteem (SE) mediates the relationship between two dimensions of perfectionism (perfectionistic concerns (PC) and perfectionistic strivings (PS)) and negative and positive mental health outcomes, including psychological distress (PD) and flourishing (F). Method: Participants (N = 162; 121 females, 36 males, 4 non-binary, and 1 not disclosed) aged 18 to 90 (M = 31.57, SD = 15.75) completed an online survey containing five measures. Results: There was a significant positive indirect effect between PC and PD through SE (b = 0.39, p