Analysis of the Moderating Role of Problem-Focused Coping Style in the Relationship Between Perfectionism and Learned Helplessness

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Keywords:

Learned Helplessness, Perfectionism, Problem-Focused Coping Style

Abstract

Objective: Learned helplessness is a psychological state where an individual feels a lack of control over negative outcomes. The present study aimed to investigate and explain the moderating role of problem-focused coping style in the relationship between perfectionism and learned helplessness.

Methodology: This was a descriptive-correlational study based on Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The statistical population included all second-grade high school students in Darab county during the 2022–2023 academic year. A sample size of 338 individuals (148 boys and 190 girls) was selected using multi-stage cluster random sampling. Participants completed the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (Frost et al., 1990), the Learned Helplessness Questionnaire (Quinless & Nelson, 1988), and the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (Billings & Moos, 1981). Hypotheses were tested via Structural Equation Modeling.

Findings: The results indicated that a problem-focused coping style plays a negative moderating role in the relationship between perfectionism and learned helplessness. The direct path from perfectionism to learned helplessness was significant and positive (Standardized Regression Coefficient = 0.66, t = 16.85). The interaction effect of perfectionism and problem-focused coping style on learned helplessness was also significant and negative (Standardized Regression Coefficient = -0.11, t = -2.99).

Conclusion: Perfectionism increases the likelihood of learned helplessness, while a problem-focused coping style has a protective role and improves the management of extreme standards. These findings can guide the design of preventive and educational interventions in schools to prevent helplessness and emotional inefficiency.

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Afra, A., Firouzi, M. reza, Noshadi, N., & Taghvaee nia, A. (2026). Analysis of the Moderating Role of Problem-Focused Coping Style in the Relationship Between Perfectionism and Learned Helplessness. Journal of Psychological Dynamics in Mood Disorders, 1-18. https://maherpub.com/index.php/pdmd/article/view/774