Perfectionism, shame, and self-concept in dancers: a mediation analysis

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.