Perfectionism and Psychological Well-Being Among Malaysian Undergraduates: A Dimensional and Disciplinary Perspective

Perfectionism is commonly perceived as a strength linked to ambition and success, but it is increasingly associated with mental health challenges. For university students, ongoing performance pressures may heighten perfectionist tendencies, contributing to anxiety, depression, and a decline in emotional and psychological well-being. This study examined the relationship between perfectionism and psychological well-being among 154 undergraduate students (74 males, 80 females) at a private university in Malaysia. Quantitative design was employed using the Big Three Perfectionism Scale (BTPS; Smith et al., 2014) and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS; University of Warwick & University of Edinburgh, 2006). Data were analyzed using SPSS, incorporating descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, and Pearson correlation. Results indicated that self-oriented perfectionism was the most prominent form among participants. Significant differences in psychological well-being were found between psychology and non-psychology majors, with psychology students reporting lower levels of well-being. A strong negative correlation (r = −.781, p < .001) was observed between perfectionism and psychological well-being, suggesting that higher perfectionism is associated with poorer mental health. These findings highlight the need for targeted mental health interventions that address perfectionistic thinking and promote psychological resilience among university students.