Clin Psychol Rev March 2021 PMID 33556805

Is perfectionism a vulnerability factor for depressive symptoms, a complication of depressive symptoms, or both? A meta-analytic test of 67 longitudinal studies.

Martin M Smith, Simon B Sherry, Cassondra Ray, Paul L Hewitt, Gordon L Flett

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Mentions

9
Peak: 4 in Feb 2021
across 3 sources since Feb 2021

Extended reach

3,540
potential audience

Total likes

10

Video views

266

Mentions per month

Feb 2021 – Jan 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter5 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Blogs2 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions demonstrate strong interest through references to how depression and perfectionism interact, with phrases like 'can make perfectionism worse' and citing the study directly. The tone suggests engagement by analyzing different facets of perfectionism, and the importance of the findings is emphasized by mentions of implications for clinical diagnosis and mental health awareness, illustrating the article’s impact.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions align with the article's findings that perfectionism and depression influence each other reciprocally and that perfectionistic concerns serve as risk factors, showing general support for its conclusions.

InterestHigh interest

The discussions demonstrate high curiosity, evidenced by references to potential mechanisms and implications, such as how depression might exacerbate perfectionism and the practical relevance for mental health awareness.

EngagementModerate engagement

Participants actively discuss the research's significance, with some citing specific components like perfectionistic concerns and strivings, and mentioning the importance for clinicians, reflecting meaningful involvement.

ImpactHigh impact

The conversations highlight how the research informs understanding of mental health issues, with phrases like 'vital for diagnosis' and 'must consider' indicating recognition of its significance.

Abstract in brief

  • The study investigates whether perfectionism leads to depression, results from depression, or both, by analyzing 67 longitudinal studies and finding that perfectionistic concerns and depressive symptoms influence each other reciprocally, while perfectionistic strivings mainly serve as a vulnerability factor.
  • The research highlights that perfectionistic concerns predict future depressive symptoms and vice versa, whereas perfectionistic strivings primarily increase vulnerability to depression without being affected by depressive symptoms, suggesting different roles for these perfectionism components.
  • Clinicians should consider the complex, reciprocal relationship between perfectionistic concerns and depression when diagnosing and treating patients, and distinguish perfectionistic strivings as a potential personality vulnerability that may contribute to depression risk.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
ᴉɥsoʇɐsᴉʞnzᴉɥɔoɯ
@1hc0m · X

Is perfectionism a vulnerability factor for depressive symptoms, a complication of depressive symptoms, or both? A meta-analytic test of 67 longitudinal studies https://t.co/rmY90mqQ2k

Feb 25, 2021 · 1 like · 1,568 followers View post →
PsychiatryAI.com
@PsychiatryAIcom · X

Is perfectionism a vulnerability factor for depressive symptoms, a complication of depressive symptoms, or both? A meta-analytic test of 67 longitudinal studies https://t.co/o3ljvjxr8i

Feb 5, 2021 · 435 followers View post →
PsychiatryAI.com
@PsychiatryAIcom · X

Is perfectionism a vulnerability factor for depressive symptoms, a complication of depressive symptoms, or both? A meta-analytic test of 67 longitudinal studies https://t.co/8LE5g6OCMB

Feb 5, 2021 · 435 followers View post →
PsychiatryAI.com
@PsychiatryAIcom · X

Is perfectionism a vulnerability factor for depressive symptoms, a complication of depressive symptoms, or both? A meta-analytic test of 67 longitudinal studies https://t.co/vfUa4fhdFa

Feb 5, 2021 · 435 followers View post →

All mentions

CRUX Psychology
@cruxpsychology · X

Can depression make perfectionism worse? Research says yes, and there are a few reasons why (Smith et al., 2021). (Smith et al., 2021) https://t.co/a2lYP7HOj2 #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealth #psychology #personality #mentalhealthawareness #perfection #perfect #perfectionist https://t.co/rK7Q4gVnte

Jan 31, 2025 · 402 followers View post →
ᴉɥsoʇɐsᴉʞnzᴉɥɔoɯ
@1hc0m · X

Is perfectionism a vulnerability factor for depressive symptoms, a complication of depressive symptoms, or both? A meta-analytic test of 67 longitudinal studies https://t.co/rmY90mqQ2k

Feb 25, 2021 · 1 like · 1,568 followers View post →
PsychiatryAI.com
@PsychiatryAIcom · X

Is perfectionism a vulnerability factor for depressive symptoms, a complication of depressive symptoms, or both? A meta-analytic test of 67 longitudinal studies https://t.co/vfUa4fhdFa

Feb 5, 2021 · 435 followers View post →
PsychiatryAI.com
@PsychiatryAIcom · X

Is perfectionism a vulnerability factor for depressive symptoms, a complication of depressive symptoms, or both? A meta-analytic test of 67 longitudinal studies https://t.co/o3ljvjxr8i

Feb 5, 2021 · 435 followers View post →
PsychiatryAI.com
@PsychiatryAIcom · X

Is perfectionism a vulnerability factor for depressive symptoms, a complication of depressive symptoms, or both? A meta-analytic test of 67 longitudinal studies https://t.co/8LE5g6OCMB

Feb 5, 2021 · 435 followers View post →