Abstract

The goal of this study was to examine the effects of maladaptive perfectionism and state locus of control on state anxiety. Of particular interest was the possibility of whether state locus of control might moderate the effect of maladaptive perfectionism on state anxiety. A total of 159 undergraduate students who completed the self-report questionnaires on maladaptive perfectionism, trait locus of control, and state anxiety were included. State locus of control was manipulated in a laboratory setting. The data were analyzed using a hierarchical regression analysis. The results indicated that the main effects of maladaptive perfectionism and state locus of control on state anxiety were significant. Specifically, participants who had higher levels of maladaptive perfectionism reported higher levels of state anxiety, and those who were placed in the uncertain state locus of control condition reported higher levels of state anxiety. However, the interactive effect of maladaptive perfectionism and state locus of control on state anxiety was not significant. Implications and limitations of the study are discussed.