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

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.