The Impact of Spiritual Well-Being on Multidimensional Perfectionism in University Students: A Nationwide Survey.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Perfectionism is a multidimensional personality trait encompassing both adaptive and maladaptive aspects that strongly influence students' psychological health. Spiritual well-being, defined by existential and religious components, has been suggested as a protective factor, yet its relationship with perfectionism remains underexplored in university populations. This study aimed to investigate these associations in a large nationwide sample of Italian undergraduates.

Methods

A total of 2103 students from public and private universities across Northern, Central, and Southern Italy participated in an online cross-sectional survey. Validated instruments were used to assess multidimensional perfectionism and spiritual well-being.

Results

Self-oriented perfectionism emerged as the most prevalent dimension, followed by other-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism. Scores for existential well-being were higher than those for religious well-being. Existential well-being was negatively associated with socially prescribed perfectionism, suggesting a buffering role against maladaptive forms of striving. Religious well-being showed only a small positive association with perfectionism. Gender and age differences were also observed, with women and younger students reporting higher levels of perfectionism.

Conclusions

Findings highlight existential well-being as a potential protective factor in academic contexts, supporting meaning-centered strategies to mitigate maladaptive perfectionism. Longitudinal and cross-cultural studies are warranted to clarify causal mechanisms and inform culturally sensitive educational and clinical practices.

SUBMITTER: Lo Cascio A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12564579 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature