Perfectionism as Mediator of Adult Attachment Styles and Alcohol Problems in Emerging Adulthood

Emerging adulthood is an important transitional time between the ages of 18 to 25, that is characterized by both increased possibilities and increased risk behaviours. As such, alcohol problems are frequently found among emerging adults. Research has found that individuals with high levels of insecure attachment have more alcohol problems due to their negative view towards themselves and others. Similarly, attachment insecure individuals are more likely to possess maladaptive perfectionism, which is characterized by extremely high self-criticism, ruminative concerns over mistakes, and a permanent sense of failure. Furthermore, perfectionistic cognitions are defined as frequent automatic thoughts and images involving the need to be perfect. Research has found that perfectionistic cognitions are associated with various mental health issues, but there is no research examining the specific role of perfectionistic cognitions in the forming of alcohol problems. Similarly, although maladaptive perfectionism has been found to mediate the relationship between attachment style and alcohol problems, there are no studies that examine perfectionistic cognitions. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to test the mediating role of perfectionistic cognitions in the relationship between insecure attachment styles and alcohol problems among emerging adults

Faculty Supervisor:

Abby Goldstein

Student:

Partner:

Zhejiang University

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Toronto

Program: