Examining the Link between Perfectionism and Distress among Licensure Examination Reviewees: Pre-Examination Coping Styles as Mediator
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| Title: | Examining the Link between Perfectionism and Distress among Licensure Examination Reviewees: Pre-Examination Coping Styles as Mediator |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Renz Louis T. Montano (ORCID |
| Source: | Educational and Developmental Psychologist. 2025 42(2):142-154. |
| Availability: | Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 13 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, College Graduates, Licensing Examinations (Professions), Coping, Test Anxiety, Personality Traits, Psychological Patterns, Goal Orientation, Depression (Psychology), Social Support Groups, Test Preparation |
| Geographic Terms: | Philippines |
| Assessment and Survey Identifiers: | Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale |
| DOI: | 10.1080/20590776.2024.2445292 |
| ISSN: | 2059-0776 2059-0784 |
| Abstract: | Background: Perfectionism is believed to have an adaptive (Perfectionistic Strivings) and a maladaptive dimensions (Evaluation Concerns). Research shows that the latter is closely linked to distress and poor psychological functioning, while the former has been considered relatively benign. Objective: The present study investigated the mediating role of the three pre-examination coping styles, namely task-orientation and preparation, seeking social support and avoidance. The current research was conducted among individuals preparing for a national examination to understand how perfectionism and the different coping styles affect their adjustment. Methods: The present research employed a cross-sectional approach. A sample of 287 Filipino psychology graduates who are reviewing for the psychometrician licensure examination were recruited. The study employed parallel mediation to examine how pre-exam coping mediates the relationship between perfectionism and distress. Results: Perfectionistic Strivings predicted greater use of task-orientation and preparation, which predicted lower depression. Evaluation concerns predicted greater use of avoidance and lesser use of task-orientation, elevating their test anxiety. Conclusion: The results support existing findings that perfectionism has two distinct components. The differential effect of the perfectionism dimensions on coping styles sheds light on why perfectionists differ in terms of perceived distress. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1493128 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Background: Perfectionism is believed to have an adaptive (Perfectionistic Strivings) and a maladaptive dimensions (Evaluation Concerns). Research shows that the latter is closely linked to distress and poor psychological functioning, while the former has been considered relatively benign. Objective: The present study investigated the mediating role of the three pre-examination coping styles, namely task-orientation and preparation, seeking social support and avoidance. The current research was conducted among individuals preparing for a national examination to understand how perfectionism and the different coping styles affect their adjustment. Methods: The present research employed a cross-sectional approach. A sample of 287 Filipino psychology graduates who are reviewing for the psychometrician licensure examination were recruited. The study employed parallel mediation to examine how pre-exam coping mediates the relationship between perfectionism and distress. Results: Perfectionistic Strivings predicted greater use of task-orientation and preparation, which predicted lower depression. Evaluation concerns predicted greater use of avoidance and lesser use of task-orientation, elevating their test anxiety. Conclusion: The results support existing findings that perfectionism has two distinct components. The differential effect of the perfectionism dimensions on coping styles sheds light on why perfectionists differ in terms of perceived distress. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2059-0776 2059-0784 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/20590776.2024.2445292 |
