The Relationship between Negative Perfectionism and Binge Eating in Employed Women: The Mediating Role of Rumination

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between negative perfectionism and binge eating in employed women, emphasizing the mediating role of rumination. A descriptive–correlational quantitative design was employed. The statistical population included all female teachers in Tehran’s 22 districts during the second semester of the 2024–2025 academic year. Using Cochran’s formula, 384 participants were selected via multi-stage cluster random sampling. Data were collected through the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (Biling et al., 2004), the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (Fairburn & Beglin, 2008), and the Ruminative Responses Scale (Nolen-Hoeksema, 1991). Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranged from 0.71 to 0.76. Data were analyzed using SPSS and structural equation modeling (SEM) in SmartPLS. Results revealed a significant positive relationship between negative perfectionism and binge eating (β=0.18, p<0.001). Negative perfectionism was also positively related to rumination (β=0.39, p<0.001), and rumination was positively related to binge eating (β=0.35, p<0.001). Rumination had a significant mediating effect on the relationship between negative perfectionism and binge eating (β=0.14, p<0.001). The model fit indices (R²=0.21, Q²>0.13) indicated an acceptable predictive power. Negative perfectionism directly and indirectly, through rumination, increases binge eating among employed women. The findings highlight the crucial role of maladaptive cognitive–emotional patterns in women’s occupational mental health and emphasize the need for workplace psychological interventions aimed at reducing perfectionistic tendencies and repetitive negative thinking.