The Moderating Role of Goal Orientation in the Relationship Between Perfectionism and Fear of Failure Among Filipino Student Nurses

Perfectionism is common among nursing students due to high academic and clinical demands, yet maladaptive perfectionism has been linked to negative psychological outcomes such as fear of failure. Guided by Achievement Goal Theory, this study examined the moderating role of goal orientation in the relationship between perfectionism and fear of failure among Filipino student nurses. A quantitative correlational design was employed involving 200 undergraduate nursing students from Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology. Stratified random sampling ensured representation across academic year levels. Standardized measures were used to assess perfectionism, goal orientation, and fear of failure. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and moderation analysis through Hayes’ PROCESS Macro (Model 1). Results revealed a significant positive relationship between perfectionism and fear of failure, indicating that students with higher perfectionistic tendencies experienced greater anxiety and fear related to mistakes and evaluation. Goal orientation was also significantly associated with fear of failure. Moderation analysis showed that mastery goal orientation weakened the relationship between perfectionism and fear of failure, serving a protective function. In contrast, performance goal orientation strengthened this relationship, intensifying fear-driven responses. These findings highlight the importance of adaptive motivational orientations in reducing the emotional costs of perfectionism. Promoting mastery-oriented goals within nursing education may help foster resilience, emotional well-being, and healthier responses to academic and clinical challenges among student nurses.