Perfectionism, attributional styles and self efficacy in relation to psychological distress among adolescents

Abstract

The present empirical investigation entitled Perfectionism, Attributional Styles, and Self-Efficacy in Relation to Psychological Distress among Adolescents sought to identify a set of predictors that contributed to the experience of psychological distress. Many evidence indicated that factors like maladaptive perfectionism, negative Attributional style and low self-efficacy significantly correlated with psychological distress, but, unfortunately till today no systematic efforts have been made to explore the role of above such factors on Indian students. Psychological distress Different psychologists have given different viewpoints in relation to definition of psychological distress. Mirowsky and Ross (1989) add that psychological distress is the unpleasant subjective state of depression and anxiety (being tense, restless, worried irritable and afraid), which has both emotional and psychological manifestations. They further added that there is a wide range of psychological distress, ranging from mild to extreme, with extreme levels being considered as mental illness such as schizoaffective disorder. Chalfant et al. (1990) defined psychological distress as a continuous experience of unhappiness, nervousness, irritability and problematic interpersonal relationships. Perfectionism Individuals try to express their capabilities, potentials and talents to fullest extent possible. There is an inborn tendency among persons that direct them to actualize their inherited nature. Rogers suggested that each person also have a concept of ideal self. An ideal self is the self that person would like to be. When there is a congruency between actual and ideal self a person is generally happy and satisfied. Discrepancy between the actual and ideal self often results is unhappiness and dissatisfaction. According to Rogers people have a tendency to maximize self-concept through self-actualization.