Abstract
The study examined the role of socially prescribed perfectionism on social anxiety and perfectionistic self-presentation behaviors in college students. One hundred twenty-nine students at a public liberal arts college completed questionnaires assessing their trait perfectionism, perfectionistic self-presentation, social anxiety, and perceived social support. The results found direct relationships between socially prescribed perfectionism and social anxiety, and between socially prescribed perfectionism and perfectionistic self-presentation. The results indicate conceptual, although not statistically significant, evidence for social support moderating the relationship between socially prescribed perfectionism and social anxiety. There was neither conceptual nor statistical support for a social support interaction on the association between socially prescribed perfectionism and perfectionistic self-presentation. The findings suggest that perfectionistic college students are likely to engage in maladaptive impression management behaviors. College students who strive for perfection to please others and who have low levels of social support may also be at risk of developing social anxiety.
Recommended Citation
Hesler, Kate
(2016)
"Perfectionism, Social Support, and Social Anxiety in College Students,"
Proceedings of GREAT Day: Vol. 2015, Article 9.
Available at:
https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/proceedings-of-great-day/vol2015/iss1/9