The link between neuroticism and perfectionistic concerns: The mediating effect of trait emotional intelligence

• Neuroticism, trait emotional intelligence, and perfectionistic concerns were examined.
• 223 undergraduates were studied.
• Trait emotional intelligence correlated negatively with perfectionistic concerns.
• Trait emotional intelligence mediated the neuroticism-perfectionistic concerns link.

Individuals with high perfectionistic concerns have overly negative reactions to perceived failures, nagging self-doubts, and excessive concerns over others’ criticisms and expectations. While neuroticism is robustly associated with perfectionistic concerns, this study examined whether trait emotional intelligence (i.e., emotion related self-perceptions) mediates the relationship between neuroticism and perfectionistic concerns. A sample of 223 undergraduates completed measures of neuroticism, trait emotional intelligence, and perfectionistic concerns. As hypothesized, trait emotional intelligence partially mediated the neuroticism-perfectionistic concerns link. Individuals high on the neuroticism dimension but lower on trait emotional intelligence may be more prone to perfectionistic concerns.