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Targeting Self-Oriented Perfectionism Through a School-Based CBT-Informed Program Integrating Excellencism: A Pilot
Rebecca M Bissett1, Bonnie A Clough2,3, Michelle Hood2,3,4
1School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan Qld, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia. r.bissett@griffith.edu.au.
Child Psychiatry and Human Development
|June 14, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tested a CBT program with excellencism principles for high school girls. While self-oriented perfectionism slightly decreased, excellencism remained stable, suggesting a preservation pattern.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Education
- Intervention Studies
Background:
- Adolescent academic pressures can exacerbate self-critical perfectionism.
- Excellencism is a proposed alternative motivational construct.
- School-based interventions for excellencism are underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a CBT-informed program augmented with excellencism principles.
- To examine preliminary outcomes of this intervention for final-year female students.
- To investigate the impact on self-oriented perfectionism (SOP) and excellencism.
Main Methods:
- A four-session, classroom-delivered program integrating CBT and excellencism principles.
- Participants: 80 final-year girls.
- Statistical analysis using linear mixed models for primary (SOP, excellencism) and secondary (anxiety, depression, positive affect) outcomes.
Main Results:
- Self-oriented perfectionism (SOP) showed a small, non-maintained pre-post reduction.
- Excellencism remained stable, aligning with the Juxtaposed Effect Framework's Scenario 4 preservation pattern.
- Secondary outcomes (anxiety, depression, positive affect) remained stable.
- Acceptability was moderate, with participants reporting modest learning and enjoyment.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the integration of CBT with excellencism principles in school settings.
- Preliminary evidence suggests a Scenario 4 preservation pattern in excellencism.
- Further research with randomized controls is needed to confirm these initial signals.
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