The University of British Columbia 2017 perfectionism treatment project

A randomized controlled trial for dynamic-relational vs supportive group treatment of perfectionism

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

ISRCTN

Registry ID

ISRCTN16141964

Enrollment

Registered

2017-04-27

Start date

2017-04-15

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2022-08-05

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Perfectionism, a core vulnerability and transdiagnostic personality factor Mental and Behavioural Disorders

Interventions

Perfectionistic individuals (determined by interview and questionnaires) will be randomly assigned to either a dynamic-relational group treatment or a supportive group treatment for perfectionism. Pa

Yalom & Leszcz, 2005) and key ingredients in the psychodynamic treatment of perfectionists in individual and group psychotherapy (see Hewitt et al., 2017

Tasca, Mikail, & Hewitt, 2005). The therapeutic intervention focuses on the relational and developmental precursors, interpersonal impact, and underlying relational processes of perfectionism rather t

Sullivan, 1953) and also consistent with other psychodynamic treatments of perfectionism (e.g., Fredtoft, Poulsen, Bauer, & Malm, 1996

Greenspon, 2008

Sorotzkin, 1998). An important role for therapists is to keep group discussion rooted in the "here and now." They will encourage group members to explore their relationships and experiences within the

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: 1. Individuals from the community who have volunteered for treatment of their perfectionism and perfectionism-related problems 2. Patients with elevated levels of at least one component of perfectionism 3. Based on past treatment of perfectionism research patients with personality and interpersonal problems, depression, and anxiety are expected 2. Fluent in spoken and written English

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: 1. Currently suicidal or experiencing psychotic symptoms 2. Not fluent in written and spoken English as the research and treatment will be conducted solely in English 3. Potential participants will be excluded if they have not experienced any close relationship (e.g., friend, romantic relationship, relative) because group psychotherapy is not indicated and is not likely tolerated by such individuals

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
Current primary outcome measures as of 28/01/2021 (updated on 28/06/2022): 1. Self-oriented perfectionism, other-oriented perfectionism, and socially prescribed perfectionism, measured using the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale 2. Perfectionistic self-presentation, namely perfectionistic self-promotion, nondisplay of imperfection, and nondisclosure of imperfection, measured using the Perfectionistic Self Presentation Scale 3. Automatic perfectionistic thoughts, measured using the Perfectionism Cognitions Inventory 4. Psychological symptoms including somatization, obsessive compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobias, paranoia, and psychoticism, measured using the Brief Symptom Index, overall scores of global severity, positive symptom total and positive symptom distress index These are all self-report measures administered by research staff and will be administered pretreatment, midpoint of treatment, post treatment, and at 6-month follow-up timepoint. Previous primary outcome measures: 1. Self-oriented perfectionism, other-oriented perfectionism, and socially prescribed perfectionism, measured using the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale 2. Perfectionistic self-presentation, namely perfectionistic self-promotion, nondisplay of imperfection, and nondisclosure of imperfection, measured using the Perfectionistic Self Presentation Scale 3. Automatic perfectionistic thoughts, measured using the Perfectionism Cognitions Inventory 4. Psychological symptoms including somatization, obsessive compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobias, paranoia, and psychoticism, measured using the Brief Symptom Index, overall scores of global severity, positive symptom total and positive symptom distress index 5. Interpersonal and relational difficulties, measured using the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems These are all self-report measures administered by research staff and will be administered pretreatment, m	—

Measure

Time frame

Current primary outcome measures as of 28/01/2021 (updated on 28/06/2022): 1. Self-oriented perfectionism, other-oriented perfectionism, and socially prescribed perfectionism, measured using the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale 2. Perfectionistic self-presentation, namely perfectionistic self-promotion, nondisplay of imperfection, and nondisclosure of imperfection, measured using the Perfectionistic Self Presentation Scale 3. Automatic perfectionistic thoughts, measured using the Perfectionism Cognitions Inventory 4. Psychological symptoms including somatization, obsessive compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobias, paranoia, and psychoticism, measured using the Brief Symptom Index, overall scores of global severity, positive symptom total and positive symptom distress index These are all self-report measures administered by research staff and will be administered pretreatment, midpoint of treatment, post treatment, and at 6-month follow-up timepoint. Previous primary outcome measures: 1. Self-oriented perfectionism, other-oriented perfectionism, and socially prescribed perfectionism, measured using the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale 2. Perfectionistic self-presentation, namely perfectionistic self-promotion, nondisplay of imperfection, and nondisclosure of imperfection, measured using the Perfectionistic Self Presentation Scale 3. Automatic perfectionistic thoughts, measured using the Perfectionism Cognitions Inventory 4. Psychological symptoms including somatization, obsessive compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobias, paranoia, and psychoticism, measured using the Brief Symptom Index, overall scores of global severity, positive symptom total and positive symptom distress index 5. Interpersonal and relational difficulties, measured using the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems These are all self-report measures administered by research staff and will be administered pretreatment, m

—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Pathological Narcissism Inventory, Automatic Self Recriminations Scale, Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale. These self report measures will be administered pre, post, midpoint, and followup timepoints. 1. Overall alexithymia, measured using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale 2. Critical self-related inner dialogue including harsh self-criticism, nondeservedness, not mattering, and loathsomeness, measured using the Automatic Self Recriminations Scale 3. Self-related dysfunctional attitudes regarding perfectionism, measured using the Dysfunctional Attitudes Scales	—

Measure

Time frame

Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Pathological Narcissism Inventory, Automatic Self Recriminations Scale, Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale. These self report measures will be administered pre, post, midpoint, and followup timepoints. 1. Overall alexithymia, measured using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale 2. Critical self-related inner dialogue including harsh self-criticism, nondeservedness, not mattering, and loathsomeness, measured using the Automatic Self Recriminations Scale 3. Self-related dysfunctional attitudes regarding perfectionism, measured using the Dysfunctional Attitudes Scales

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Countries

Canada

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ISRCTN (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026