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

• Main Authors: Xinlin Gao (Author), Jiawei Zhong (Author), Hanchao Li (Author), Yapeng Pei (Author), Xixin Li (Author), Siyu Zhang (Author), Yuan Yue (Author), Xin Xiong (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A., 2023-05-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 2296-2565; 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1154413
• Keywords: perfectionism; psychological health; self-perception; orofacial appearance; body image; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270
• Source: Frontiers in Public Health, Vol 11 (2023)

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.