Relationship of Perfectionism with Burnout and Loneliness Amongst Young Adults in Urban Delhi NCR Corporate Workplaces

This study investigates the intricate relationship between perfectionism, burnout characterized by exhaustion and disengagement, and loneliness among young adults in multinational companies (MNCs). The data was collected from 873 participants, aged 21-40 years working in Delhi NCR corporate workplaces, through purposive sampling using validated psychometric tools; including the Big Three Perfectionism Scale-Short Form, the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, and the DeJong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. By using a path analysis model, the results revealed that self-critical perfectionism has the strongest association with burnout, particularly with emotional exhaustion and disengagement. Narcissistic perfectionism moderately predicts burnout and loneliness, highlighting its dual impact on emotional well-being and social relationships. Rigid perfectionism, however, shows weaker associations, suggesting its limited role in predicting adverse outcomes. Burnout significantly predicts disengagement and exhaustion, while its relationship with loneliness is weaker. The findings aim to bridge gaps in the literature by examining not only individual-level consequences but also organizational implications, emphasizing the urgent need for interventions fostering sustainable work environments contributing to the growing discourse on mental health in workplaces, advocating for balanced perfectionistic pursuits that promote productivity without compromising psychological well-being.