Self-esteem as a mediator between perfectionism and mental health outcomes

Objective In line with the Two Continua Model of Mental Health, this study investigated whether self-esteem (SE) mediates the relationship between two dimensions of perfectionism (perfectionistic concerns (PC) and perfectionistic strivings (PS)) and negative and positive mental health outcomes, including psychological distress (PD) and flourishing (F).Method Participants (N = 162; 121 females, 36 males, 4 non-binary, and 1 not disclosed) aged 18 to 90 (M = 31.57, SD = 15.75) completed an online survey containing five measures.Results There was a significant positive indirect effect between PC and PD through SE (b = 0.39, p < .001, 95% CI [0.27, 0.51]) and between PS and F through SE (b = 0.14, p = .004, 95% CI [0.05, 0.24]). There was a significant negative indirect effect between PC and F through SE (b = −0.48, p < .001, 95% CI [−0.62, −0.35]) and between PS and PD through SE (b = -0.12, p = .004, 95% CI [−0.20, −0.04]).Conclusions Findings support the utility of the Two Continua Model, contribute to literature on the relationship between perfectionism and mental health outcomes, and highlight the potential utility of exploring therapeutic interventions to target self-esteem for individuals high in perfectionism.