Perfectionism, Shame, and Trichotillomania Symptoms in Clinical and Nonclinical Samples

This study explored the relationships between multidimensional perfectionism (adaptive and maladaptive), shame (characterological, behavioral, and bodily), and trichotillomania (TTM) symptom severity in a nonclinical sample of 284 college students and a clinical sample of 125 individuals with TTM. Results suggested that the clinical sample reported significantly higher levels of maladaptive perfectionism, all three subtypes of shame, and TTM compared to the nonclinical sample. While none of the three subtypes of shame mediated the relationship between either form of perfectionism and TTM for the nonclinical sample, behavioral shame was a significant mediator between maladaptive perfectionism and TTM for the clinical sample. Implications for mental health counselors are discussed.