Abstracts Psychology

Perfectionism, Motivational Climate, and Psychological Distress: Examining a Moderated Moderation Analysis with Collegiate Student-Athletes

by Javier Martin-Fernandez

The current study utilized a social learning and achievement goal theory framework to examine and explicate the relationship between multidimensional perfectionism and psychological distress, and the moderating effect of two types of motivational climate among Division I-III student-athletes. Results indicated nonsignificant interaction effects between multidimensional perfectionism and the coach-created motivational climate. However, results did yield support for maladaptive perfectionism and an ego-involving climate as significant, interrelated risk factors for psychological distress, with latter serving as the condition from which maladaptive perfectionistic tendencies may emerge. Overall, the findings highlight the significance of competitive environments and athlete perfectionism, as well as the need for additional research on protective and risk factors for psychological distress in this population. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.