Frontiers in Public Health (May 2023)

The relationship between perfectionism, self-perception of orofacial appearance, and mental health in college students

  • Xinlin Gao,
  • Jiawei Zhong,
  • Hanchao Li,
  • Yapeng Pei,
  • Xixin Li,
  • Siyu Zhang,
  • Yuan Yue,
  • Xin Xiong,
  • Xin Xiong

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1154413
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11

Abstract

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BackgroundIn dental clinical practice, self-perception of orofacial appearance is highly correlated with treatment satisfaction. Therefore, it is important to explore factors correlated with self-perception of orofacial appearance. Perfectionism may be one such factor. This study investigated the role of perfectionism in self-perception of orofacial appearance.MethodsParticipants completed an online questionnaire that included demographic data, a measure of perfectionism, a measure of self-perception of orofacial appearance (including body image, smile appearance concern, and self-esteem), and a measure of anxiety and depression.ResultsHigh perfectionism scores significantly predicted greater age, body image, smile appearance concern, and mental health scores and lower self-esteem scores (p < 0.005). After adjusting for possible confounding variables, smile appearance concern largely disappeared. Mental health acted as a mediator in the relationships between perfectionism and three orofacial appearance characteristics.ConclusionHigh perfectionism predicted higher self-perception of body image, and lower mental health and self-esteem in college students. Mental health could mediate the relationships between perfectionism and self-perception of orofacial appearance.

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