biostudies-literatureLo Cascio ACenter of Excellence for Nursing Scholarship211https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12564579biostudies-literatureUnknown15(10)<h4>Background</h4>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.<h4>Methods</h4>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.<h4>Results</h4>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.<h4>Conclusions</h4>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.European journal of investigation in health, psychology and educationThe Impact of Spiritual Well-Being on Multidimensional Perfectionism in University Students: A Nationwide Survey.PMC125645792.22.8 and 1.24.3Alvaro RPucciarelli GPetrucci GLo Cascio ASandri EDe Marinis MGDe Benedictis APiredda MMarchetti ADsoke SfalseThe Impact of Spiritual Well-Being on Multidimensional Perfectionism in University Students: A Nationwide Survey.<h4>Background</h4>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.<h4>Methods</h4>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.<h4>Results</h4>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.<h4>Conclusions</h4>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.2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Oct2026-05-14T03:16:19.578Z2026-05-14T03:11:49.351ZS-EPMC125645794114916310.3390/ejihpe15100211