Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Perfectionism: An Overview of the State of Research and Practical Therapeutical Procedures

Abstract

Background: Perfectionism represents an important transdiagnostic predisposing and maintaining factor in a number of psychological disorders. Moreover, perfectionism can complicate the treatment of psychological disorders and contribute to treatment resistance. In the present article, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions to reduce perfectionistic patterns are explained. In addition, specifics of the therapeutic relationship with perfectionists as well as the etiology and possible functionalities of perfectionistic patterns are discussed. Summary: The effectiveness of classical CBT interventions for reducing perfectionism has been demonstrated in a number of studies. Recent research furthermore points to the (potential) benefit of interventions that fall into the third wave of CBT (such as mindfulness-based, schema therapeutic or self-compassion-based approaches) – however, there is still a lack of studies with sufficient methodological quality. Key Messages: While a number of different CBT approaches are available for the treatment of perfectionism, future studies should increasingly examine which interventions are particularly indicated for which patient characteristics.