Internet interventions for perfectionism: a meta-analysis and proposals for the college setting

Abstract

ObjectiveSuh et al (2019) found that treatments for perfectionism, even online, reduce perfectionism and concomitant psychopathology. This meta-analysis investigated the efficacy of Internet interventions and psychotherapeutic interventions for perfectionism as potential tools for overburdened college counseling centers where perfectionism is particularly prevalent. Method: PubMed, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO were searched for relevant treatment studies. Comprehensive Meta-analysis V3 was used to compute and pool effect sizes for perfectionism and concomitant psychopathology. Results: Psychological interventions (N = 18) for perfectionism yielded significant reductions in perfectionistic strivings (g = .394; n = 16), concerns (g = .603; n = 17), and clinical perfectionism (g = .960; n = 8). Effect sizes were small-to-medium for depression (g = .601; n = 12), anxiety (g = .399; n = 13), and eating disorder symptoms (g = .477; n = 7). Effect sizes were similar for Internet-mediated and non-Internet-mediated interventions. Most interventions used 8-10-session cognitive-behavioral therapy of perfectionism. Conclusion: Internet interventions for perfectionism reduce perfectionism and concomitant psychopathology. College counseling centers could eventually use them to reduce demand for in-person services.

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of United States of America and received approval from the Pomona College.

Funding

The authors received no specific funding for this work.