Treating perfectionism via the Internet: a randomized controlled trial comparing cognitive behavior therapy to unified protocol.

Perfectionism can be problematic when your self-worth is dependent on achievements and leads to inflexible standards, cognitive biases, and rigid behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy for perfectionism is shown to be effective, including for targeting psychiatric symptoms and when delivered via the Internet (iCBT-P). However, few studies have compared it to an active comparator. The current study randomly assigned 138 participants seeking help for perfectionism to iCBT-P or Internet-based Unified Protocol (iUP). Both treatments provided guidance on demand from a therapist and were eight weeks in duration. The results indicated large within-group effects of Cohen's d 2.03 (iCBT) and 2.51 (iUP) on the Clinical Perfectionism Questionnaire at post-treatment, and maintained effects at 6- and 12-month follow-up, but no between-group difference (ß = 0.02, SE = 1.04, p = .98). Secondary outcomes of depression, anxiety, quality of life, self-compassion, procrastination, and stress ranged from small to large, with no differences between the conditions. Both treatments were deemed credible, relevant, of high quality, and well-adhered by the participants. Further research needs to be conducted, but the findings could indicate a lack of specificity, perhaps suggesting there is no need to differentiate between different treatments that are transdiagnostic in nature.

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

Perfectionism is characterized by setting high standards and striving for achievement, sometimes at the expense of social relationships and wellbeing. Despite sometimes being viewed as a positive feature by others, people with perfectionism tend to be overly concerned about their performance and how they are being perceived by people around them. This tends to create inflexible standards, cognitive biases, and performance-related behaviors that maintain a belief that self-worth is linked to accomplishments. Cognitive behavior therapy has been shown to be a viable treatment for perfectionism, both in terms of reducing levels of perfectionism and improving psychiatric symptoms. Furthermore, a number of recent studies indicate that it can be successfully delivered via the Internet, both with regular support and guidance on demand from a therapist. In the present study protocol, a clinical trial for perfectionism is described and outlined. In total, 128 participants will be recruited and randomized to either a treatment that has already been demonstrated to have many benefits, Internet-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy for perfectionism (iCBT-P), or an active comparison condition, Internet-based Unified Protocol (iUP), targeting the emotions underlying depression and anxiety disorders. The results will be investigated with regard to self-reported outcomes of perfectionism, psychiatric symptoms, self-compassion, and quality of life, at post-treatment and at six- and 12-month follow-up. Both iCBT-P and iUP are expected to have a positive impact, but the difference between the two conditions in terms of their specific effects and adherence are currently unknown and will be explored. The clinical trial is believed to lead to a better understanding of how perfectionism can be treated and the specificity of different treatments.