Emotional intelligence as a moderator between perfectionism and depression levels

Thompson, Ella (2025) Emotional intelligence as a moderator between perfectionism and depression levels. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

Preview

PDF (Bachelor of Arts) Download (590kB) | Preview

Abstract

Background: Perfectionism is a multidimensional concept which demands unattainable standards in almost every part of one’s life. Perfectionism has often been linked with depression in previous literature. While emotional intelligence has been shown to act as a protective factor for both depression and perfectionism. Hence, the current study aimed to add to the literature that perfectionism and depression have a relationship. The study also explored if scores of overall perfectionism were correlated with emotional intelligence. Lastly, the study investigated if emotional intelligence is a moderator between perfectionism and depression levels.

Method: Convenience sampling was used to collect data from an online questionnaire of 131 participants. Questionnaire obtained demographics and measured for emotional intelligence, perfectionism, and depression levels.

Results: Findings from a Pearson’s correlation identified a strong correlation between perfectionism and depression. Another Pearson’s correlation found no correlation for emotional intelligence and perfectionism. Moderation analysis revealed that emotional intelligence successfully moderated the relationship between perfectionism and depression. The present study is the first study to investigate emotional intelligence as a moderator for perfectionism and depression and gives good foundational basis for future research. Findings provide a greater insight into this relationship as emotional intelligence weakened the link between perfectionism and depression.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Supervisors:	Name Email Kelly, Michelle UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology > Emotional Intelligence R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA790 Mental Health
Divisions:	School of Business (- 2025) > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	11 Nov 2025 15:17
Last Modified:	11 Nov 2025 15:17
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/8919

Actions (login required)

View Item