The Relationship Between Suicidal Ideation and Perfectionism in Iranian Students: The Mediating Role of Self-criticism

Suicidal ideation, as a risk factor for psychopathology, has diverse psychological and social impairments. Suicidal ideation and perfectionism are closely related to self-criticism.

In the present study, we investigated how self-criticism mediated the relationship between suicidal ideation and perfectionism.

This descriptive study was performed on 300 students selected from the University of Science and Culture. The data collection tools were the Beck Scale for suicide ideation (BSS), the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS), and the Self-criticism Scale (FSCRS). Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and path analysis.

The results showed that suicidal ideation had a significant direct effect on self-oriented perfectionism (β = 0.18, P < 0.01) and socially prescribed perfectionism (β = 0.23, P < 0.01). Also, perfectionism had a significant indirect effect on suicidal ideation through mediating role of self-criticism.

According to the findings, both perfectionism and self-criticism play an important role in suicidal ideation. The inability to accept shortcomings or flaws and having rigid, unrealistic standards along with self-blame or self-criticism caused by a sense of incompleteness and deficiency feeling in various situations can provide ground for emerging suicidal thoughts and behaviors.