Evaluating a Web-based cognitive-behavioral therapy for maladaptive perfectionism in university students.
OBJECTIVE
This study assessed a Web-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for maladaptive perfectionism, investigating perfectionism, anxiety, depression, negative automatic thoughts, and perceived stress.


METHODS
Participants were undergraduate students defined as maladaptive perfectionists through a screening questionnaire at an urban university. The data were collected from July 2009 to August 2010.


METHODS
Forty-seven maladaptive perfectionists were randomly assigned to a 12-week CBT or a wait-list control group and assessed via questionnaires at pre- and postintervention. Statistical procedures included t tests, Pearson correlations, and analysis of covariance.


RESULTS
At the postintervention measure, the CBT group demonstrated significant decreases in anxiety sensitivity and negative automatic thoughts compared to the control group. Within the CBT group, changes in perfectionism scores were significantly correlated with positive changes in depression, anxiety, stress, and automatic thoughts.


CONCLUSIONS
The treatment group improved on psychological outcomes, demonstrating the effectiveness of a Web-based CBT for perfectionism in a university setting.
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Natasha Radhu@camh.net
Natasha
N
Radhu
Zafiris J
ZJ
Daskalakis
Chantal A
CA
Arpin-Cribbie
Jane
J
Irvine
Paul
P
Ritvo
D001007:Anxiety; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D003193:Compulsive Personality Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003863:Depression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D013334:Students; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult