Article Title: Neuroticism, Perfectionism and Coping Strategies among Patients with Depression and Anxiety Disorders
Author: Nida Munir and Tehreem Arshad
Institute: Centre of Clinical Psychology
University: University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Journal: Bahria Journal of Professional Psychology, January 2018, Vol. 17, No. 1, 45-66
Correspondence address: Nida Munir, Center of Clinical Psychology, University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: nidamunir599@gmail.com
Abstract
The present study aimed to explore the relationship between neuroticism, perfectionism and coping strategies among patients with depression and anxiety. To attain these objectives N=110 participants (Depression n=60, Anxiety n=50) were approached from psychiatric wards of hospitals in Lahore. Neuroticism Scale of Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), Almost Perfect Scale (APS) and Brief COPE were administered to assess study variables. The findings of the study revealed that neuroticism is positively linked with maladaptive perfectionism and with religious/denial and avoidant coping strategies, whereas maladaptive perfectionism has positive a relationship with avoidant coping. Moreover, perfectionism was found as the predictor of anxiety whereas maladaptive perfectionism was the predictor of depression. Depressed patients scored higher on religious and denial coping strategy and ranked higher on maladaptive perfectionism. On contrary, anxiety patients scored significantly higher on avoidant coping strategies. This study highlighted that maladaptive perfectionism as one of the leading factors in the development of anxiety and depression. Therefore, by providing proper therapeutic interventions for changing beliefs related to maladaptive perfectionistic approach, the future risk of the development of tendencies of anxiety and depression can be minimized to some extent.
Keywords: Neuroticism, Perfectionism, Coping Strategies, Depression, Anxiety, clinical psychology, clinical population
