Web-based cognitive-behavioral therapy for perfectionism: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

This study assessed the effectiveness of a web-based cognitive behavioral intervention (CBT) in reducing perfectionism and psychological distress in post-secondary students. Participants assessed as high in perfectionism (n=77) were randomized to one of three 10-week, web-based, intervention conditions (no treatment [NT], general stress management [GSM], or CBT). Results indicated the CBT condition was effective in reducing perfectionism, and supported a pattern of significantly greater improvement than observed in participants in the GSM or NT conditions. While both CBT and GSM demonstrated capacities to significantly reduce distress, for CBT participants changes in perfectionism were significantly correlated with changes in depression and anxiety. Results offer support for the effectiveness of web-based CBT in positively affecting perfectionist-related problems. Given the considerable proportion of individuals who suffer from perfectionism-related distress, the intervention's apparent effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and ease of dissemination warrant future replication studies.

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

“…The current study utilized a screening procedure which resulted in uneven sample sizes of Perfectionists (N = 21) and Controls (N = 39), and also necessitated the analysis to be conducted on a non-clinical, categorical group variable. 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.…”

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.…”

The transdiagnostic process of perfectionism = El proceso transdiagnóstico del perfeccionismo

“…Participants in the stress management plus CBT condition however also reported decreases in self-oriented perfectionism and Concern over Mistakes as well as socially-prescribed perfectionism and depression. A recent randomized controlled trial where university students were allocated to either a stress management or CBT 10-week treatment or control found similar results, where the participants who received CBT for perfectionism experienced signifi cantly greater reductions in perfectionism than the other groups (ArpinCribbie, Irvine, & Ritvo, 2012). While both the stress management and CBT group experienced signifi cant reductions in distress compared to the control group, it was found that changes in perfectionism were signifi cantly correlated with changes in distress in the CBT group.…”