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Perfectionism and self-compassion among emerging adults: The role of disciplining experiences

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Abstract

Although the influence of disciplining experiences on a variety of personality factors has been studied, there is less clarity on how disciplining experiences influence the traits of perfectionism and self-compassion in individuals. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between different domains of perfectionism and self-compassion, as well as the influence of specific aspects of disciplining experiences, such as parental warmth and punishment experiences, on perfectionism and self-compassion. In this study, a quantitative cross-sectional correlational design was used. A total of 220 Indian emerging adults from the city of Bangalore were surveyed via convenience sampling. The following scales were administered: Disciplining Experiences Measure, Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, and Self-Compassion Scale. The results showed that (1) Self Compassion has a significant positive relationship with Perfectionism; (2) Punishment experience has an influence on Other-oriented and Socially Prescribed Perfectionism; (3) Disciplining Helped positively predicted Self-oriented Perfectionism; and (4) Parental Warmth positively predicted Self-compassion in individuals. The findings contribute to the literature emphasizing the influence of disciplining experiences on one’s self and personality, as well as the potential benefits of self-compassion-based interventions.

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Acknowledgements

I firstly thank the department head at CHRIST (Deemed to be University) for giving me an opportunity to conduct this research. I express my heartfelt gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. Sudhesh N.T., for his constant support and guidance throughout the duration of carrying out this research. An earnest word of appreciation to all the research participants, without whom, this study wouldn’t have been possible.

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This is to state that no funding was received for the purpose of carrying out the research.

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Ms. Pooja Raju has made contributions to the manuscript in the following categories: concept, design, search for literature, data collection, statistical analysis of data, and manuscript preparation. Ms. Pooja Raju takes responsibility for the integrity of the work as a whole. Dr. N.T Sudhesh has contributed to the manuscript by providing assistance in concept, statistical analysis, and reviewing the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Pooja Raju.

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Approval for the study was obtained from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India.

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Written informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in this research study. The researcher ensures to maintain the confidentiality of all the research participants by not disclosing their names or background details.

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Raju, P., Sudhesh, N. Perfectionism and self-compassion among emerging adults: The role of disciplining experiences. Curr Psychol 43, 4191–4197 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-04531-2

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