Explaining the Link between Perfectionism and Self-forgiveness: The Mediating Roles of Self-acceptance and Rumination

Author(s)

Lee J. Dixon, University of DaytonFollow
Katherine A. Earl, University of Dayton
Catherine J. Lutz-Zois, University of DaytonFollow
Jackson A. Goodnight, University of DaytonFollow
Jessica J. Peatee, University of Dayton

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-2014

Publication Source

Individual Difference Research

Abstract

Although recent research has begun to examine correlates of self-forgiveness, very little research has examined the association between self-forgiveness and perfectionism. This study examined this association, along with mediating mechanisms that help explain this association. Specifically, we examined the indirect relationships between both Conscientious and Self-Evaluative forms of perfectionism and episodic self-forgiveness, through both unconditional self-acceptance and rumination. Participants (N = 206) completed measures of perfectionism, unconditional self-acceptance, rumination about a specific betrayal they committed, and self-forgiveness of said betrayal. Multivariate path analyses revealed Self-Evaluative Perfectionism to be indirectly associated with self-forgiveness, through both unconditional self-acceptance and rumination. More specifically, Self-Evaluative Perfectionism was positively and significantly related to rumination and negatively and significantly related to self-acceptance; in turn, rumination was negatively and significantly related to self-forgiveness and self-acceptance was positively and significantly related to self-forgiveness. Conscientious Perfectionism was not significantly related to the mediators or indirectly associated with self-forgiveness.

ISBN/ISSN

1541-745X

Comments

Other work by the author Catherine J. Lutz-Zois may appear in this repository under the names Catherine J. Lutz or Catherine L. Zois.

Volume

12

Issue

3

Peer Reviewed

yes

eCommons Citation

Dixon, Lee J.; Earl, Katherine A.; Lutz-Zois, Catherine J.; Goodnight, Jackson A.; and Peatee, Jessica J., "Explaining the Link between Perfectionism and Self-forgiveness: The Mediating Roles of Self-acceptance and Rumination" (2014). Psychology Faculty Publications. 16.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/psy_fac_pub/16