Perfectionism affects change in psychological symptoms

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychotherapy Research

Background:

• Perfectionism is a personality trait with both adaptive and maladaptive facets.
• Understanding how perfectionism influences psychological symptoms during therapy is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of perfectionism on psychological symptoms and interpersonal problems throughout psychotherapy.
• To differentiate the effects of maladaptive (self-critical) and adaptive (high standards, low self-criticism) perfectionism.

Main Methods:

• Utilized multilevel modeling to analyze session-by-session symptom changes in 105 adult clients.
• Employed the Short Almost Perfect Scale (SAPS) to measure perfectionistic characteristics.
• Assessed indicators of personal and interpersonal psychological distress over time.

Main Results:

• Both symptomatic distress and interpersonal problems improved during therapy.
• Maladaptive perfectionism correlated with higher initial distress and interpersonal problems, with differential effects on symptom change.
• Adaptive perfectionism was associated with fewer interpersonal problems at therapy onset and termination.

Conclusions:

• Perfectionistic traits significantly influence the therapeutic process and outcomes.
• Assessing perfectionism early in treatment is valuable, even for clients without obvious related concerns.
• Therapeutic interventions may benefit from addressing maladaptive perfectionism to improve interpersonal functioning and reduce distress.