Understanding the role of perfectionism in contributing to internalizing symptoms in youth with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

• DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsae100
• Publication Date: 2024-11-14T20:25:55Z
• Authors: Yvonne N Brandelli; Sean P Mackinnon; Christine T Chambers; Jennifer A Parker; Adam M Huber; Jennifer N Stinson; Shannon A Johnson; Jennifer P Wilson
• Keywords: Perfectionism; Depression

Abstract Objective Youth with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) experience elevated rates of internalizing symptoms, although more research is required to understand this phenomenon. Perfectionism, a multidimensional personality trait that involves dimensions such as striving for flawlessness (self-oriented perfectionism) and feeling others demand perfection (socially-prescribed perfectionism), well-known risk factor symptoms has received minimal attention in pediatric populations. Preregistered hypotheses explored the relationships between youth parent perfectionism depression anxiety JIA, mediated by (a) youth/parent negative self-evaluations (b) self-concealment. Methods One hundred fifty-six dyads comprised (13–18 years) JIA caregiver completed online questionnaires about perfectionism, (i.e., pain catastrophizing fear pain), self-concealment, symptoms. Results Positive were observed parent/youth self-oriented self-evaluations, Parent was negatively related Indirect effects predicting through (a1b1 = 0.13 0.12, 95% CI [.03, .24 .03, .22], respectively). Exploratory mediations suggested socially-prescribed might predict directly indirectly Conclusion are implicated may manifest (e.g., catastrophic thoughts) While future needed, screening perfectionistic tendencies population help guide assessment, prevention, treatment efforts.