Suicidal Thinking and Perfectionism: the Role of Goal Adjustment and Behavioral Inhibition/Activation Systems (BIS/BAS)

This study investigated the associations among perfectionism, goal adjustment, behavioural activation sensitivity, behavioural inhibition sensitivity, & suicidal thinking. 225 Scottish undergraduates participated. Socially prescribed perfectionism was the only perfectionism dimension associated with suicidal thinking. Goal reengagement is an important construct in the suicidal process. A series of hierarchical regression analyses showed that goal reengagement moderates & mediates the effect of socially prescribed perfectionsim on suicidal thinking. (53 refs.)