Perfectionism and allied health professional training: the role of psychological flexibility in burnout and depression

IntroductionThere is a high prevalence of depression and burnout in allied health students, emphasising the need to understand predictors of these outcomes. Examining perfectionism as a transdiagnostic process could extend understanding of these poor mental health outcomes, particularly understanding how rigidity and inflexibility in pursuing high standards impact depression and burnout in allied health students.ObjectivesThis study investigates how psychological inflexibility may clarify understandings of perfectionism as a transdiagnostic process. A multidimensional approach to psychological flexibility was used to examine its mediating role in the relationships of perfectionism and depression, and perfectionism and burnout.MethodsA cross-sectional correlational study design was used with 187 allied health students aged between 19 and 53 years old completing an online survey. Data were analysed using correlational and parallel mediation analysis.ResultsHigher levels of perfectionism were associated with greater depression (r = .38, p < .01) and burnout (r = .32, p < .01). Parallel mediation found cognitive fusion and experiential avoidance to mediate the perfectionism-depression relationship, whereas cognitive fusion and committed action meditated the perfectionism-burnout relationship.ConclusionsThese findings suggest psychological flexibility contributes to understanding of perfectionism as a transdiagnostic process.Individuals high in perfectionism tend to be strongly guided by rules about themselves, avoid distress, lack present moment awareness, and are inactive with valued goals. While, shared psychological flexibility processes account for the perfectionism-burnout relationship, cognitive fusion had a greater explanatory role in the perfectionism-depression relationship.