The effect of perfectionism on academic self-concept in early-stage STEM students: Is social comparison a mediator?

Ye, Zhengyan

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129218 Copy

Description

Title

The effect of perfectionism on academic self-concept in early-stage STEM students: Is social comparison a mediator?

Author(s)

Ye, Zhengyan

Issue Date

2025-04-21

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Cromley, Jennifer

Department of Study

Educational Psychology

Discipline

Educational Psychology

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• perfectionism
• social comparison
• STEM
• academic self-concept

Abstract

Whether and how perfectionism and social comparison harm or benefit early-stage STEM students’ academic self-concept is an important issue. In this study I aim to examine the association between perfectionism and academic self-concept, and the mediating role of social comparison. A total of 134 undergraduate students from 100-level STEM courses from the university were recruited to complete the research survey. A series of path analyses and model comparisons were performed. Results showed that perfectionistic strivings positively while perfectionistic concerns negatively predicted academic self-concept. Social comparison did not mediate these relationships, but both perfectionistic strivings and perfectionistic concerns positively predicted upward social comparison, and downward social comparison positively predicted academic self-concept. These findings indicate the distinct theoretical relationships among two types of perfectionism, two directions of social comparison, and academic self-concept in early-stage STEM students. To support students’ academic self-concept, results suggest that practices such as ameliorating students’ concerns in perfectionism and utilizing social comparison in positive ways may help learning.

Graduation Semester

2025-05

Type of Resource

Thesis

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129218

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2025 Zhengyan Ye

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