PERFECTIONISM AND DEPRESSION - LONGITUDINAL ASSESSMENT OF A SPECIFIC VULNERABILITY HYPOTHESIS

The authors tested whether perfectionism dimensions interact with spec ific stress to predict depression over time. A sample of 103 current a nd former patients completed measures of perfectionism and depression at Time 1 and measures of stress and depression 4 months later. After controlling Time I depression, self-oriented perfectionism interacted only with achievement stress to predict Time 2 depression. Socially pr escribed perfectionism did not interact with achievement or social str ess to predict Time 2 depression, but it did predict Time 2 depression as a main effect, The results provide support for the contention that perfectionism dimensions are involved in vulnerability to depression over time.