Perfectionism, silencing the self, and depression

The current study examined the associations among dimensions of perfectionism, silencing the self, and depression. A sample of 202 participants completed the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, the Silencing The Self Scale, and a depression measure. The results indicated that both self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism were associated with dimensions of silencing the self with a stronger link between socially prescribed perfectionism and silencing the self. Both socially prescribed perfectionism and dimensions of silencing the self were associated significantly with depression. Statistical tests of moderator effects indicated that socially prescribed perfectionism and silencing the self-interacted to predict elevated levels of depression. In addition, mediational analyses indicated that self-silencing was a partial mediator of the link between socially prescribed perfectionism and depression. The practical and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.