title: Perfectionism, shame, and self-concept in dancers: a mediation analysis.
abstract: Perfectionism has been linked to various forms of physiological and psychological maladjustment. This study examined the inter-relationships between multi-dimensional aspects of perfectionism (self-oriented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed), internalized shame, and total self-concept in elite dancers (N = 24) as compared to a control group of healthy, active non-dancers (N = 23). All participants completed psychometric self-report measures targeting the variables of interest. Multivariate analysis of covariance (gender as covariate) indicated that the dancers had higher levels of self-oriented perfectionism than the control group. Building on the findings of Ashby, Rice, and Martin, we examined a model in which dancers' shame mediates the relationship between maladaptive aspects of perfectionism and self-concept. Analysis revealed internalized shame to fully mediate the relationship between dancers' socially prescribed perfectionism and total self-concept; however, shame did not mediate self-concept in the control group. We conclude that dancers would benefit from programs that enhance self-esteem and reduce the negative effects of internalized shame and self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism.
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of California State University, and Los Angeles Pierce College, Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, California 91330, USA. jacqueline.eusanio@csun.edu.
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Eusanio
authors.affiliation: California State University, Northridge, USA; York University.
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Thomson
authors.affiliation: California State University, Northridge, USA.
authors.forename: S Victoria
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Jaque
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003615:Dancing / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009341:Negativism; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012649:Self Concept; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012752:Shame; D012925:Social Conformity; D055815:Young Adult