PERFECTIONISM AND ACADEMIC STRESS AS PREDICTORS OF DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY

Abstract

The study examined perfectionism and academic stress as predictors of depressive symptoms among undergraduate students. Two hundred and fifty (250) students (116 males, 46.4%; 134 females, 53.6%) aged 17–26 years (M = 20.46, SD = 2.25) were selected using convenience sampling. Instruments included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS), and the Student Academic Stress Scale (SASS). A predictive survey design was adopted, and data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Results indicated that perfectionism significantly and positively predicted depressive symptoms (β = .121, p = .041). Academic stress also significantly and positively predicted depressive symptoms (β = .434, p < .001), emerging as the stronger predictor. The findings suggest that maladaptive perfectionistic tendencies and elevated academic stress significantly increase vulnerability to depressive symptoms among undergraduates. The study recommends structured campus-based psychological interventions focusing on cognitive restructuring and stress management strategies.