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The interplay between perfectionism, perceived stress, and self-confidence in competitive athletes: indirect pathways and total unique effects

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although perfectionistic strivings and concerns show distinct associations with athletes' psychological functioning, no study has estimated their total unique effects on perceived stress and self-confidence. Moreover, it remains untested whether perceived stress serves as a pathway linking perfectionism to athletes' self-confidence. We aimed to a) estimate the total unique effects of perfectionism on perceived stress and self-confidence, and b) test the indirect effects of both perfectionism dimensions on self-confidence via perceived stress. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE: = 2.90) from individual and team sports, competing at diverse sport levels, completed online questionnaires assessing perfectionism, perceived stress, and self-confidence. Total unique effects were estimated and path analyses were conducted using structural equation modeling with bootstrapped confidence intervals. RESULTS: Total unique effects of perfectionism were relatively large for perceived stress and small to medium for self-confidence. Perfectionistic concerns positively predicted perceived stress and negatively predicted self-confidence, whereas perfectionistic strivings showed no significant effect on stress and positively predicted confidence. The indirect effect of perfectionistic concerns on self-confidence via perceived stress was significant (B = -0.15, 95% CI [-0.289, -0.053]). Perfectionistic strivings showed no indirect effect (B = -0.01, 95% CI [-0.097, 0.053]). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest perceived stress as a potential pathway linking perfectionistic concerns to reduced self-confidence, contributing 21% of its total effect. Perfectionistic strivings appear to enhance confidence independently of perceived stress. Longitudinal research is needed to confirm the direction and stability of these pathways.

Source: Current Issues in Personality Psychology

DOI: 10.5114/cipp/222282

Authors: Weronika A. Mazur, Wojciech Waleriańczyk, Julia Karbowska, Bogdan Zawadzki

Institutions: University of Warsaw, Instytut Sportu

Language: English

Topic: Perfectionism, Procrastination, Anxiety Studies

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7172494628