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

Abstract

OBJECTIVE\nSuh 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\u2009=\u200918) for perfectionism yielded significant reductions in perfectionistic strivings (g\u2009=\u2009.394; n\u2009=\u200916), concerns (g\u2009=\u2009.603; n\u2009=\u200917), and clinical perfectionism (g\u2009=\u2009.960; n\u2009=\u20098). Effect sizes were small-to-medium for depression (g\u2009=\u2009.601; n\u2009=\u200912), anxiety (g\u2009=\u2009.399; n\u2009=\u200913), and eating disorder symptoms (g\u2009=\u2009.477; n\u2009=\u20097). 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.