THE INFLUENCE OF PERFECTIONISM ON SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING OF COLLEGE STUDENTS: THE MEDIATING EFFECT AND INTERVENTION OF SELF-COMPASSION

Background: In highly competitive environments, some individuals with perfectionistic tendencies derive a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction, while others experience persistent self-blame and distress. This study aims to explore the factors and mechanisms underlying different perceptions of happiness in these two groups, with a particular focus on examining the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between perfectionism and subjective well-being, and to design an online intervention program to explore its effectiveness.

Methods: This study is divided into two parts. Study 1 employed a longitudinal survey, selecting 160 college students as participants to test the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between perfectionism and subjective well-being. Study 2, based on the findings from Study 1, designed a 14-day online self-compassion intervention program and evaluated its effectiveness through a randomized controlled trial. A total of 78 university students with high levels of maladaptive perfectionism (≥45) and low self-compassion scores (≤77), who also reported mild to moderate levels of anxiety, depression, or stress, were selected and randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=42) or the waiting group (n=36). The intervention group participated in a 14-day online self-compassion program, while the waiting group did not receive any intervention. Both groups completed measurements of perfectionism, self-compassion, and subjective well-being before and after the intervention.

Results: Longitudinal data from Study 1 showed that maladaptive perfectionism negatively predicted self-compassion and subjective well-being, while self-compassion positively predicted subjective well-being. Self-compassion partially mediated the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and subjective well-being. In Study 2, the intervention group showed significant improvements in self-compassion and subjective well-being scores, and a significant reduction in maladaptive perfectionism. Specifically, the intervention group had significantly higher self-compassion (M = 12.11, SE = 2.39, p < 0.001), subjective well-being (M = 1.21, SE = 0.32, p < 0.001), and lower maladaptive perfectionism (M = -10.40, SE = 1.74, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The study confirmed the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between perfectionism and subjective well-being, and demonstrated the effectiveness of the 14-day online self-compassion intervention in improving self-compassion and subjective well-being, as well as reducing maladaptive perfectionism. These results provide empirical support for related theories and offer feasible intervention strategies for clinical practice.