THE MODERATING ROLE OF GENDER IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERFECTIONISM AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
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UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
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This study examined the moderating role of gender in perfectionism and its relationship with academic performance, anxiety, and burnout among undergraduate students. A total of 137 students from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) completed validated instruments assessing perfectionism, anxiety, and burnout. Analyses included independent samples t-tests, Pearson correlations, multiple regression, and moderation analysis. Findings showed that female students reported significantly higher perfectionistic strivings than males, while no significant gender differences were found in perfectionistic concerns, academic performance, anxiety, or burnout. Perfectionistic strivings were positively associated with academic performance and anxiety, whereas perfectionistic concerns were linked to anxiety and both core and secondary burnout symptoms. Regression analyses confirmed perfectionistic concerns as a stronger predictor of anxiety and burnout. Gender was found to moderate only the relationship between perfectionistic concerns and burnout core symptoms. These findings suggest that although perfectionism is prevalent in both genders, its manifestation and psychological impact may vary. The results highlight how crucial it is to take gender into account when discussing perfectionism in academic and mental health settings.