Perfectionism, self-compassion, and general self-efficacy between those with and without chronic pain

Graeme Ditchburn; Melinda Nicola; Helen Correia; Peter Drummond

doi:10.1080/08870446.2025.2552227

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Perfectionism, self-compassion, and general self-efficacy between those with and without chronic pain

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Perfectionism, self-compassion, and general self-efficacy between those with and without chronic pain

Graeme Ditchburn, Melinda Nicola, Helen Correia and Peter Drummond

Psychology & Health

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2025.2552227

Appears in Open Access via Read & Publish Agreements

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Abstract

Chronic pain

unmet expectations

socially-prescribed perfectionism

self-oriented perfectionism

self-compassion

self-efficacy

Although the association between stress and pain is recognised, little is known about links between chronic pain and stress arising from perfectionist expectations. Two studies compared levels of socially prescribed perfectionism (SPP), self-oriented perfectionism (SOP), self-compassion (SC), and self-efficacy (SE) between individuals with and without chronic pain. In Study 1, 237 participants with chronic pain and 237 without pain completed an online survey. Participants with chronic pain had significantly higher levels of SPP and lower levels of SC than those without pain. However, there were no differences in SOP or SE. In Study 2, 294 individuals with chronic pain, and 278 without, completed an online survey. Individuals with chronic pain reported significantly higher levels of perfectionism and lower levels of SC and SE than pain-free individuals. SPP and SOP were higher in those with low SC scores. Correlation analyses identified that SOP and SC were positively associated with SE whereas SPP was associated negatively with SE. These findings largely align with the perfectionism social disconnection model. A clearer understanding of the inter-relationships between perfectionism and protective factors, such as SC and SE, has important implications for those experiencing chronic pain conditions, including potential pain management interventions and long-term wellbeing.

Details

Title: Perfectionism, self-compassion, and general self-efficacy between those with and without chronic pain
Authors/Creators: Graeme Ditchburn - Murdoch University, School of Psychology
Melinda Nicola
Helen Correia
Peter Drummond - Murdoch University, Centre for Healthy Ageing
Publication Details: Psychology & Health
Publisher: Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
Number of pages: 16
Identifiers: 991005807943207891
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Psychology; Centre for Healthy Ageing
Resource Type: Journal article

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Citation topics: 1 Clinical & Life Sciences; 1.21 Psychiatry; 1.21.2270 Perfectionism and Procrastination
Web Of Science research areas: Psychology, Multidisciplinary; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
ESI research areas: Psychiatry/Psychology