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ABSTRACT
The current study explored whether maladaptive perfectionism and low self-esteem constituted reliable risk factors of student mental illness, as well as determining whether resilience moderates these predictive relationships. 434 University undergraduate students were recruited. Depression and anxiety were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7). Perfectionism, self-esteem and resilience were analyzed in relation to the PHQ9 and GAD-7 scores via a regression analysis. Perfectionism discrepancy, self-esteem and resilience all significantly predicted depression and anxiety. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed a statistically significant amount of additional variance to be explained by resilience for depression and anxiety, than for perfectionism and self-esteem alone. Maladaptive perfectionism and low self-esteem predispose an individual to depression and anxiety, though resilience may act as a protective factor against development of mental illness.
Data Availability Statement
All data available on request from corresponding author.
Funding
The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Isobel Doyle
Jonathan C. Catling is an Associate Professor in Psychology, at the University of Birmingham. His research interests focus on the relationship between resilience, mental health, and academic attainment in young people.
Jonathan C. Catling
Isobel Doyle is a Postgraduate from the University of Birmingham with an interest in the impact of Covid-19 on students wellbeing.