Web-based cognitive-behavioral therapy for perfectionism: A randomized controlled trial

This study assessed the effectiveness of a web-based cognitive behavioral intervention (CBT) in reducing perfectionism and psychological distress in post-secondary students. Participants assessed as high in perfectionism (n=77) were randomized to one of three 10-week, web-based, intervention conditions (no treatment [NT], general stress management [GSM], or CBT). Results indicated the CBT condition was effective in reducing perfectionism, and supported a pattern of significantly greater improvement than observed in participants in the GSM or NT conditions. While both CBT and GSM demonstrated capacities to significantly reduce distress, for CBT participants changes in perfectionism were significantly correlated with changes in depression and anxiety. Results offer support for the effectiveness of web-based CBT in positively affecting perfectionist-related problems. Given the considerable proportion of individuals who suffer from perfectionism-related distress, the intervention's apparent effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and ease of dissemination warrant future replication studies.