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Cognitive Behavioural Treatment of Perfectionism: A Single Case Experimental Design Series

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 February 2012

Sarah J. Egan*
Affiliation:
Curtin University of Technology, Australia. [email protected]
Paula Hine
Affiliation:
Curtin University of Technology, Australia.
*
*Address for correspondence: Sarah Egan, School of Psychology, Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U1987, Perth WA 6845, Australia.
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Abstract

Perfectionism can maintain depression, anxiety and eating disorders, yet few studies have evaluated treatments for perfectionism. This study examined the effectiveness of individual cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) in treating perfectionism in four adults with a diagnosis of either an anxiety disorder or depression. The study used an A-B single case experimental design series with follow-up, and a 3-week pre- and postbaseline phase. Treatment involved 8 sessions and a 2-week follow-up session. Visual inspection of data revealed downward trends in overall perfectionism and clinically significant decreases in perfectionism for two participants. No clinically significant reductions were observed in depressive or anxious symptomatology. CBT for perfectionism warrants further investigation.

Type
Case Studies
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

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