Self-compassion as a moderator between clinical perfectionism and psychological distress

ABSTRACT Objective Clinical perfectionism is associated with psychological distress, however, few studies have examined factors that moderate the relationship. Self-compassion is a useful construct to examine as it is a component of cognitive-behavioural treatment (CBT) for clinical perfectionism, and lower self-compassion is related to higher perfectionism and distress. Method The aim was to determine if self-compassion is a moderator between clinical perfectionism and distress. Adults who had mild symptoms of anxiety and depression (N = 344, 82% female, M age= 28.14 years, SD = 12.79) completed online measures. Results In considering the total self-compassion score, when self-compassion was higher the association between clinical perfectionism and psychological distress was lower, relative to when self-compassion was lower, hence self-compassion was a moderator between clinical perfectionism and distress. When the Self-Compassion Scale was considered on the basis of the positive and negative subscales, these were not significant moderators between clinical perfectionism and distress. Conclusion Self-compassion may be one explanation of how clinical perfectionism is associated with distress, when considered as a total score. The results support the need for future research examining the moderating role of self-compassion between perfectionism and distress, given the contrast in findings when considered at a subscale level. KEY POINTS What is already known about this topic: Perfectionism is associated with psychological distress. Few studies have examined factors that explain the relationship. Self-compassion is one factor that could explain this link. What this topic adds: Self-compassion may explain how perfectionism is associated with distress. Future research is needed on the moderating role of self-compassion. Treatments for perfectionism should target self-compassion.