Abstract
The present study examined self-concealment as a possible mediator in the relationship between perfectionism and distress. The study also explored whether willingness to disclose differed depending on whether the disclosure was to a friend, family member, or counselor. One hundred and sixteen undergraduate women were administered the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, the Self-Concealment Scale, the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-21, and the College Issues Questionnaire. Correlational analyses indicated that maladaptive perfectionism, self-concealment, and distress were all highly related. Path analysis indicated that self-concealment mediated the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and distress. Willingness to discuss issues with family and friends was negatively correlated with maladaptive perfectionism and self-concealment, but unrelated to distress. These results indicate that a tendency to conceal negative personal information may be a significant contributor to the psychological distress experienced by those with maladaptive perfectionism.
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Kawamura, K.Y., Frost, R.O. Self-Concealment as a Mediator in the Relationship Between Perfectionism and Psychological Distress. Cognitive Therapy and Research 28, 183–191 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:COTR.0000021539.48926.c1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:COTR.0000021539.48926.c1