Addressing the Complexity of Perfectionism in Clinical Practice

Treating eating disorders in groups: A pilot study on the role of a structured intervention on perfectionism on group climate

“…Conversely, the absence of a basic structure and of a pre-established theme in the control group may have made the members of this group more inclined to express their emotions of anger and create conflict with the others and the therapist. This is consistent with previous findings which showed that structured interventions, which integrate elements of different theoretical backgrounds, seem to be more effective in comparison with only symptom-oriented group treatments (Cheek et al, 2018).…”

“…produce more lasting changes and improvements in the domains of associated symptoms (Cheek et al, 2018).…”

“…It is in this perspective that integrated group treatment has been developed (Hewitt et al., 2017). Patients with perfectionist styles seem to respond better to treatments that also address the psychodynamic and relational basis of perfectionism, compared to only symptom‐oriented treatments such as CBT, as they are able to produce more lasting changes and improvements in the domains of associated symptoms (Cheek et al., 2018).…”

Perfectionism and its role in depressive disorders.

“…Rather than directly focussing on the depression symptoms, we focus on the relational underpinnings of perfectionism to effect changes in this personality style. The reduction in perfectionism will, in turn, reduce the presenting symptoms and, importantly, should reduce the recurrence of depression if, indeed, the vulnerability to depression is reduced (see Blatt et al, 1995; Cheek et al, 2018; Hewitt & Genest, 1990).…”

Dynamic‐relational treatment of perfectionism: An illustrative case study

“…described this as a stylistic relationship one has with oneself. Like many forms of personality dysfunction, perfectionism is thought to arise from early relational experiences that influence its genesis and its use in making the world predictable, navigable, and as safe as possible (see Cheek et al, 2018). Consistent with attachment theory, these developmental and relational underpinnings provide the basis for specific interventions and understanding therapeutic mechanisms in our treatment of perfectionism (Hewitt, et al, 2017).…”