Evaluating a Web-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Maladaptive Perfectionism in University Students

Abstract

The treatment group improved on psychological outcomes, demonstrating the effectiveness of a Web-based CBT for perfectionism in a university setting.

Perfectionism, Anxiety, and Depressive Distress: Evidence for the Mediating Role of Negative Automatic Thoughts and Anxiety Sensitivity

“…13,14 In light of this, there have been many efforts to reduce perfectionismrelated distress in university students using cost-effective interventions. [15][16][17][18] In 2 previously published randomized controlled trials with university students demonstrating elevated perfectionistic cognitions, 15,16 our research group found significant reductions in perfectionism cognitions, depression, and anxiety symptoms. These self-directed Web-based programs followed a cognitive-behavioral therapy approach where negative automatic thoughts were a primary modification target.…”

“…This aligns with our previous studies where similar gender imbalances were found, ranging from 70% to 72% of participants being females. 15,16 Although the methodology employed, which involved students volunteering for participation, is not appropriate for determining the gender distribution of MP in the general population, or in students, our experience has thus far consisted of working with and finding a gender bias in MP. This study is no exception.…”

Heart rate variability is enhanced in controls but not maladaptive perfectionists during brief mindfulness meditation following stress-induction: A stratified-randomized trial

“…In defense of this approach, it is important to note that the PCI has reliably differentiated populations requiring clinical intervention such as individuals with lowered self-esteem, anxiety, and depressive disorder (Arpin-Cribbie et al, 2008;Arpin-Cribbie et al, 2012;Flett et al, 2007;Flett et al, 1995). Furthermore, the PCI has been employed in multiple randomized-controlled trials which have demonstrated that Perfectionists can achieve benefits in depressed and anxious moods (Radhu et al, 2012a) as well as cortical inhibition (Radhu et al, 2012b), by way of cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness practice. Furthermore, the uneven proportion in this study is representative of the typical prevalence found at this university, in which a previous recruit of N = 992 participants yielded N = 248 (~25%) maladaptive perfectionists with the same screening procedure (Pirbaglou et al, 2013).…”

“…Recent theoretical and empirical developments suggest that perfectionism and perseverative cognitions can be reduced by cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness meditation (Delgado et al, 2010;Masuda and Tully, 2012;Nyklíček et al, 2013). A recent randomized controlled-trial adopting both approaches to treat maladaptive perfectionists revealed significant reductions in anxiety sensitivity and negative automatic thoughts (Radhu et al, 2012a;Guglietti et al, 2013). An additional trial has shown that post-intervention improvements may be seen in Perfectionists cortical inhibition-a neurophysiological mechanism associated with therapy-related improvements and mindfulness meditation (Radhu et al, 2012b).…”

A Web- and Mobile-Based Map of Mental Health Resources for Postsecondary Students (Thought Spot): Protocol for an Economic Evaluation (Preprint)

“…Research has found that transition-aged youth tend to trust Web-based sources for health information and advice, and that post-secondary students are likely to seek help online first [35,36]. Transition-aged youth report wanting help in various areas: determining whether they have a mental health problem, finding support, becoming empowered through health information and without the assistance of an intermediary, and connecting with peers [37,38].…”