title: A randomised controlled trial of group cognitive behavioural therapy for perfectionism.
abstract: Perfectionism is associated with symptoms of anxiety disorders, eating disorders and mood disorders. Treatments targeting perfectionism may reduce the symptoms of these disorders (Egan, Wade, & Shafran, 2011). This study is the first randomised controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for perfectionism. Forty-two participants with elevated perfectionism and a range of anxiety, eating and mood disorders were randomised to group CBT for perfectionism or a waitlist control. The treatment group reported significantly greater pre-post reductions in perfectionism, symptoms of depression, eating disorders, social anxiety, anxiety sensitivity and rumination, as well as significantly greater pre-post increases in self-esteem and quality of life compared to the waitlist control group. The impact of treatment on most of these outcomes was mediated by pre-post change in perfectionism (Concern over Mistakes). Treatment gains were reliable and clinically significant, and were maintained at 6-month follow-up. Findings support group CBT for perfectionism being an efficacious treatment for perfectionism and related psychopathology, as well as increasing self-esteem and quality of life.
authors: School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Australia. Electronic address: A.Handley@curtin.edu.au.
authors: Alicia K
authors: AK
authors: Handley
authors: School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Australia.
authors: Sarah J
authors: SJ
authors: Egan
authors: School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Australia.
authors: Robert T
authors: RT
authors: Kane
authors: School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Australia.
authors: Clare S
authors: CS
authors: Rees
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D011594:Psychometrics; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D057566:Self Report; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Cognitive behavioural therapy; Group; Perfectionism