Multidimensional Perfectionism and Depressive Symptoms on Disordered Eating Behaviours among University Students

Abstract: In the present study, the relationship of multidimensional perfectionism (self-oriented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed perfectionism) and depressive symptoms related to disordered eating behaviours were investigated in a university context. Results from 112 participants showed that both perfectionism and depressive symptoms have a positive relationship with disordered eating behaviours, indicating that individuals with higher levels of perfectionism and depressive symptoms do indeed engage in more disordered eating behaviours. When assessed in sub-groups based on EDI-3 scores, significant differences between perfectionism and depressive symptoms scores were found across all sub-groups except for the comparison between the disordered eating behaviour group and the normal group (for perfectionism scores). More specifically and contrary to what was hypothesized, the findings revealed that students who engaged in disordered eating behaviours demonstrated group differences not on self-oriented perfectionism but rather, socially prescribed perfectionism. When assessed in sub-groups based on BDI-II scores, socially prescribed perfectionism was statistically significant only for the comparison between ‘minimal’ and ‘moderate’ groups. From these results, limitations of the study are discussed and specific ways that future research can resolve these shortcomings are addressed so as to improve the validity and reliability of the conclusions drawn.