A review and meta-analysis of perfectionism interventions: Comparing face-to-face with online modalities.

Abstract

Extending Lloyd, Schmidt, Khondoker, and Tchanturia (2015), this review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of randomized controlled trials aimed at reducing perfectionism and associated symptoms of depression and anxiety. Of particular interest was the examination of a moderator of delivery method (face-to-face vs. online) in testing the effectiveness of psychological interventions. Also examined is the effect of two structural moderators (control condition type, sample characteristic). A total of 10 studies were identified (65 perfectionism effect sizes, 8 depression effect sizes, and 8 anxiety effect sizes). Psychological interventions were effective in decreasing perfectionism dimensions, depression, and anxiety with medium effect sizes. There were no significant differences in delivery modality, control condition type, and sample characteristic on effect sizes. Findings suggest that psychological interventions are generally effective in reducing perfectionism, although there is no apparent delineation in increasing "adaptive" perfectionism and decreasing "maladaptive" perfectionism. Although comparable benefits were shown in face-to-face and online intervention delivery modes, we suggest prudently incorporating online interventions into clinical practice. Public Significance StatementThis review and meta-analysis found empirical support for using psychological interventions to reduce perfectionistic tendencies among individuals. Using either face-to-face or online delivery mode yielded comparable benefits in decreasing perfectionism. Incorporating online interventions into clinical practice should be done with prudence and simply substituting face-to-face interventions with online interventions is not recommended.

Treating perfectionism using internet-based cognitive behavior therapy: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial comparing two types of treatment

“…So far, cognitive behavior therapy has been shown to produce outcomes whereby perfectionistic individuals are able to manage the difficulties associated with having to unremittingly strive for achievement and attaining certain standards. This has been confirmed not only by reduced levels of self-reported perfectionism ( Lloyd et al, 2015 ; Suh et al, 2019 ), but also qualitative investigations demonstrating that patients learn how to deal with situations differently, become better at shifting focus from performance, and broaden the domains for self-evaluation ( Rozental et al, 2020 ). In addition, preliminary evidence implies that psychiatric symptoms can be targeted using cognitive behavior therapy for perfectionism despite not being specifically addressed ( Kothari et al, 2019 ).…”

“…One study also examined the use of guidance-on-demand with similar results, 1.00, 95% CI [0.51, 1.47], and .72, 95% CI [0.24, 1.18] ( Zetterberg et al, 2019 ). In another systematic review and meta-analysis consisting of 10 studies it was also observed that such a format is comparable to seeing a therapist individually face-to-face ( Suh et al, 2019 ). Thus, it can be suggested that cognitive behavior therapy delivered via the Internet can be helpful in overcoming perfectionism and related psychiatric symptoms.…”

“…In particular, comparing two forms of treatment is important to get a better idea of the true effects given that an inactive comparator, e.g., waiting list, can yield inflated results ( Cuijpers and Cristea, 2016 ). In Suh et al (2019) , only half of the 10 clinical trials included in their systematic review and meta-analysis included some form of treatment, which mostly consisted of providing participants with a self-help book. Hence, in the present study protocol, the comparison between two forms of cognitive behavior therapy will be described and outlined; the manual developed by Egan et al (2016) , here referred to as Internet-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Perfectionism (iCBT-P), which has been tested on several occasions, and Internet-based Unified Protocol (iUP), a transdiagnostic manual that intends to target the emotional aspects underlying the symptoms involved in depression and anxiety disorders ( Ellard et al, 2010 ).…”

How Good It Would Be to Turn Back Time: Adult Attachment and Perfectionism in Mothers and Their Relationships with the Processes of Parental Identity Formation

“…Perfectionism is defined as a strong pursuit of perfection and flawlessness, accompanied by an excessive tendency to self-criticism and fear of judgment (Frost et al, 1990, Hewitt & Flett, 1991. This characteristic, although susceptible to change and often motivated by external factors (Ashbaugh, Antony, Liss, Summerfeldt, McCabe, & Swinson, 2007;Suh, Sohn, Kim, & Lee, 2019), is often observed as having a tendency to being relatively stable in time (Rice & Aldea, 2006;Sherry, Richards, Sherry, & Stewart, 2014). The authors of the most popular current model of perfectionism, Hewitt and Flett (1991), perceive perfectionism as personality characteristic with three main manifestations: self-oriented perfectionism (the expectation of self-perfection in everything that is done), other-oriented perfectionism (strong expectation from others, especially significant ones, that they will aim for perfection and not make mistakes), and socially prescribed perfectionism (the belief of an individual that other people, especially important and close ones, expect them to be flawless and perfect).…”

Psychometric Evidence of the Short Almost Perfect Scale (SAPS) in Brazil

“…Counselling clients score higher on the discrepancy factor of the SAPS and evaluate themselves more critically compared to nonclients (Rice & Taber, 2019). This can lead to developing and maintaining psychological distress (Suh, Sohn, Kim, & Lee, 2019). The authors suggested that appropriate interventions reduce the maladaptive effects of perfectionism, and consequently improve mental health.…”