Meta-Analysis of the Relationship Between Self-Critical Perfectionism and Depressive Symptoms: Comparison Between Asian American and Asian International College Students

A body of research has been dedicated to demonstrating the relationship of perfectionism with a range of mental health indicators. Self-critical perfectionism, a component of perfectionism, has been framed primarily in a negative light within the mental health context. Given that research informs educational and clinical practices, it is important to explore the degree to which such findings generalize across cultures and subcultures. The current meta-analytic research systemically collated studies conducted with Asian college students with a particular attention to exploring whether orientation to Asian culture and cultural values correspondingly moderates the relationship between self-critical perfectionism and depressive symptoms. The degree of upholding Asian cultural values was represented by group identity (i.e., Asian American and Asian international). Eleven studies (N = 3,239) were identified through the literature search. Findings from the random-effects meta-analysis indicated a significant relationship between self-critical perfectionism and depressive symptoms in the overall sample. The group identity significantly moderated the relationship; among Asian international college students, self-critical perfectionism appeared to have a less harmful effect on mental distress compared to Asian American college students. Self-cultivation-one of the salient and virtuous Asian cultural values that aligns with self-critical perfectionism-may have motivated continuous striving for self-improvement to fulfill the honorable duty for their family for Asian international students. Additional findings and implications of the study are further discussed.

Automated summary

A body of research has explored the relationship between perfectionism and mental health indicators. Self-critical perfectionism, a component of perfectionism, is seen as negative in the context of mental health. It is important to examine the generalizability of these findings across cultures and subcultures, as research informs educational and clinical practices.