Efficacy of Coherence Therapy in the Treatment of Procrastination and Perfectionism

Abstract

This study tested the efficacy of Coherence Therapy, compared with a self-help, bibliotherapy intervention, for people with procrastination and perfectionism problems. A total of 37 adults (65% male, 46% White, European American) were randomized to a Coherence Therapy intervention (n = 18) or a bibliotherapy condition (n = 19). Procrastination and perfectionism were assessed at pretreatment, posttreatment, and 6 months posttreatment. Analyses revealed that the Coherence Therapy group outperformed the bibliotherapy group in reducing maladaptive perfectionism but there were no substantial treatment effects on procrastination. Findings are discussed relevant to developing literature on Coherence Therapy and the treatment of perfectionism and procrastination.

• procrastination
• perfectionism
• Coherence Therapy
• randomized clinical trial

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the counselors and clients who participated in this study. They also appreciate Bruce Ecker and Sara Bridges for an in-depth training of the counselors and periodic consultation. They also thank the individual supervisors, Brian Toomey, Tim Desmond, Niall Geoghegan, and Robin Ticic.

Notes

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or Publication of this article.

The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or Publication of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kenneth G. Rice

Kenneth G. Rice is professor of psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Florida. His research interests include personality and mental health, college student development and adjustment (including international students and their well-being), and personality assessment and measurement.

Greg J. Neimeyer

Greg J. Neimeyer is professor of psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Florida and Director of the Office of Continuing Education and Psychology at the American Psychological Association. His areas of research include professional development, epistemology and psychotherapy, constructivism, social influence in clinical contexts, and relationship development and disorder.

Jennifer M. Taylor

Jennifer M. Taylor is currently a PhD candidate in the University of Florida counseling psychology program. Her research focuses on professional development and competencies, lifelong learning, continuing education, and mentoring.