Mediated Effects of Internalized Shame and Loneliness in the Relationship between Perfectionism and Life Satisfaction of Middle-Aged Workers
AUTHOR : 남광석, 박희현
INFORMATION : page. 63~90 / 2020 Vol.27 No.4
ABSTRACT
This research aims to explore the effects of internalized shame and loneliness in the relationship between perfectionism and life satisfaction of middle-aged office workers. An examination of a group of 430 middle-aged workers was conducted to measure their levels of perfectionism, internalized shame, loneliness, and life satisfaction. A correlation analysis of the collected data was then conducted and a structural equation model was used to indicate the mediating effects. The results of the research are as follows. First, internalized shame and loneliness have a positive correlation with evaluative concerns (EC) perfectionism (or the setting of unrealistically high standards), while life satisfaction has a negative correlation with EC perfectionism. In addition, internalized shame has a positive correlation with personal standards (PS) perfectionism. Second, the results show that in the relationship between personal standards perfectionism and life satisfaction, internalized shame has a mediating effect. Third and last, internalized shame has a mediating effect on the relationship between EC perfectionism and life satisfaction. These results suggest that internalized shame and loneliness have a dual mediating effect, as they are also present in the relationship between EC perfectionism and life satisfaction. Through this study, internalized shame was presented as a meaningful parameter in reducing the satisfaction of middle-aged office workers with perfectionism, and internalized shame and loneliness play different roles in life satisfaction depending on the perfectionist characteristics of middle-aged workers. This could be provided as a basic resource useful for preparing intervention measures to improve the satisfaction of middle-aged office workers.