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Self-Determination as a Mediator Between Mindfulness and Perfectionism in Theory and Practice

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  • João Paulo Teixeira Antunes
  • Saúl Neves de Jesus
  • Marta Brás
  • Cláudia Carmo

Abstract

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been surging as an alternative to cognitive-behavioural therapy for perfectionism. Despite promising results, there are practical and theoretical concerns regarding high resistance from perfectionists towards developing mindfulness related capabilities. Self-Determination Motivation could provide a pathway to circumvent this problem by mediating the relationship between mindfulness and multidimensional perfectionism. Ninety-three university students filled a questionnaire containing mindfulness, perfectionism and motivation measures. Thirteen participants were then included in an 8-week MBI. Intrinsic motivation mediated the effect between mindfulness and perfectionist concerns (indirect effect = −0.09). Perfectionist concerns and strivings were both reduced post-intervention ( p  = .002). There was also a significant intragroup increase in mindfulness ( p  ≤ .001), although there were no motivational changes. Current change mechanisms underlying MBI effectiveness do not support this approach as presenting unique advantages over other cognitive-behavioural approaches. Implementing explicit motivational change into MBI interventions could provide a pathway to differentiating MBIs from other alternatives.

Suggested Citation

  • João Paulo Teixeira Antunes & Saúl Neves de Jesus & Marta Brás & Cláudia Carmo, 2025. "Self-Determination as a Mediator Between Mindfulness and Perfectionism in Theory and Practice," SAGE Open, , vol. 15(3), pages 21582440251, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:15:y:2025:i:3:p:21582440251351185
    DOI: 10.1177/21582440251351185
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