title: A randomised controlled trial of face to face versus pure online self-help cognitive behavioural treatment for perfectionism.
abstract: Previous research has shown cognitive-behavioural treatment (CBT) to be effective in reducing perfectionism. The present study investigated the efficacy of two formats of CBT for perfectionism (CBT-P), face-to-face and pure online self-help, in reducing perfectionism and associated psychological symptoms. Participants were randomly allocated to face-to-face CBT-P (n = 18), pure online self-help CBT-P (n = 16), or a waitlist control period (n = 18). There was no significant change for the waitlist group on any of the outcome measures at the end of treatment. Both the face-to-face and pure online self-help groups reported significant reductions at the end of treatment for the perfectionism variables which were maintained at the 6-month follow-up. The face-to-face group also reported significant reductions over this time in depression, anxiety, and stress, and a significant pre-post increase in self-esteem, all of which were maintained at the 6-month follow-up. In contrast, the pure online self-help group showed no significant changes on these outcomes. The face-to-face group was statistically superior to the pure online self-help group at follow-up on the perfectionism measures, concern over mistakes and personal standards. The results show promising evidence for CBT for perfectionism, especially when offered face to face, where sustained benefit across a broad range of outcomes can be expected.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Australia. Electronic address: s.egan@curtin.edu.au.
authors.forename: Sarah J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Egan
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Australia.
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: van Noort
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Australia.
authors.forename: Abby
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chee
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Australia.
authors.forename: Robert T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Kane
authors.affiliation: Eating Disorders Program, Princess Margaret Hospital, Australia.
authors.forename: Kimberley J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Hoiles
authors.affiliation: Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Roz
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Shafran
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Flinders University, Australia.
authors.forename: Tracey D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Wade
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000628:therapy; D000368:Aged; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000072639:Perfectionism; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods; D012649:Self Concept; D057566:Self Report; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Cognitive behavioural treatment; Perfectionism; Randomized controlled trial; Self-help