Evaluating a Web-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Maladaptive Perfectionism in University Students

Abstract

Objective: This study assessed a Web-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for maladaptive perfectionism, investigating perfectionism, anxiety, depression, negative automatic thoughts, and perceived stress. Participants: Participants were undergraduate students defined as maladaptive perfectionists through a screening questionnaire at an urban university. The data were collected from July 2009 to August 2010. Methods: Forty-seven maladaptive perfectionists were randomly assigned to a 12-week CBT or a wait-list control group and assessed via questionnaires at pre- and postintervention. Statistical procedures included t tests, Pearson correlations, and analysis of covariance. Results: At the postintervention measure, the CBT group demonstrated significant decreases in anxiety sensitivity and negative automatic thoughts compared to the control group. Within the CBT group, changes in perfectionism scores were significantly correlated with positive changes in depression, anxiety, stress, and automatic thoughts. Conclusions: The treatment group improved on psychological outcomes, demonstrating the effectiveness of a Web-based CBT for perfectionism in a university setting.

Keywords:

• cognitive-behavioral therapy
• maladaptive perfectionism
• mental health
• university students
• Web-based

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

N.R. reports having received research funding from the Faculty of Graduate Studies through the Research Cost Fund at York University. The authors gratefully acknowledge the assistance of all persons and volunteers whose participation was essential in the successful completion of the study.

Notes

*Significant change from pretest to posttest, p < .05.

**Significant change from pretest to posttest, p < .01.

*p < .05; **p < .01.

Note. CBT = cognitive-behavioral therapy; BAI = Beck Anxiety Index; ASI = Anxiety Sensitivity Index; CESD = Centre for Epidemiologic Studies–Depressed Mood Scale; ATQ = Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire; PSS = Perceived Stress Scale; MPS-HF = Multidimensional Perfectionist Scale (Hewitt and Flett); MPS-F = Multidimensional Perfectionist Scale (Frost et al); APS-R = Almost Perfect Scale–Revised.

*p < .05; **p < .01.