Examining the effects of interpersonal perfectionism and peer feedback on self-stigma and help-seeking

OBJECTIVE: We examined how one aspect of interpersonal perfectionism-nondisclosure of imperfection-and peer feedback influenced self-stigma of seeking help and attitudes toward seeking professional help. METHOD: = 129) completed a test of nondisclosure of imperfection and were randomly assigned to watch a student actor in one of three simulated online video posts who expressed personal distress and conveyed supposed peer feedback about seeking help (supportive peer feedback, unsupportive peer feedback, or no peer feedback). RESULTS: Nondisclosure of imperfection predicted higher self-stigma of seeking help scores and less favorable attitudes toward seeking professional help. Interesting interactions showed that for those in the no peer feedback condition, higher nondisclosure of imperfection scores was associated with higher self-stigma of seeking help scores and less favorable attitudes toward seeking professional help relative to either the supportive or unsupportive feedback conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Findings support previous work in this area. Cognitive rigidity and cognitive reappraisal may explain unexpected interaction related to the no peer feedback condition.