Efficacy of Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for reducing perfectionistic strivings in the Republic of Korea: A randomized controlled trial

IF 3.6 2区医学 Q1 HEALTH CARE SCIENCES & SERVICES

Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health Pub Date : 2025-06-29 DOI:10.1016/j.invent.2025.100851

Sanghoon Oh , Jeong hee Cha , Jungwon Joo , Ji Hyung Lee , Yunna Lee , Hyung Jun Lee , Dong Uk Yoon , Jeonghwan Lee

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Perfectionistic strivings characterized by excessively high standards, fears of mistakes, and critical self-evaluations can lead to avoidance, worry, procrastination, and self-criticism, negatively impacting mental health. Since individuals with perfectionism are less likely to seek face-to-face therapy, internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) may improve accessibility.

Objectives

This study evaluated the effectiveness of an ICBT program specifically designed to reduce perfectionistic strivings.

Methods

A total of 101 participants with significant perfectionism were randomly assigned to a 5-week unguided ICBT program or a waiting list control group. Online assessments were conducted at baseline and post-intervention using the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Intention-to-treat and completer analyses were performed.

Results

Of 101 participants, 62 (61.4 %) completed both assessments. The ICBT group completed an average of 3.71 out of 5 modules, with 58.8 % completing all. Compared to the control group, the ICBT group showed significant reductions in perfectionistic strivings (FMPS Concern over Mistakes: d = −0.65, 95 % CI [−1.05, −0.25]), anxiety (GAD-7: d = −0.42, 95 % CI [−0.83, −0.01]), and increased life satisfaction (SWLS: d = 0.62, 95 % CI [0.20, 1.03]).

Conclusions

The ICBT program effectively reduced perfectionistic strivings and related symptoms, highlighting its potential as a scalable and accessible intervention. Further studies are warranted to directly compare ICBT with traditional face-to-face CBT and assess the durability of treatment effects.

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在韩国，基于网络的认知行为疗法对减少完美主义的疗效：一项随机对照试验

以过高的标准、对错误的恐惧和批判性的自我评价为特征的完美主义追求会导致逃避、担忧、拖延和自我批评，对心理健康产生负面影响。由于完美主义个体不太可能寻求面对面的治疗，基于互联网的认知行为疗法（ICBT）可能会提高可及性。目的：本研究评估了一个专门设计用于减少完美主义努力的ICBT项目的有效性。方法将101名有明显完美主义倾向的被试随机分为5周无指导ICBT组和等候组。在基线和干预后使用弗罗斯特多维完美主义量表（FMPS）、患者健康问卷-9 （PHQ-9）、广泛性焦虑障碍-7 （GAD-7）、感知压力量表（PSS）和生活满意度量表（SWLS）进行在线评估。进行意向治疗和完整分析。结果101名参与者中，62名（61.4%）完成了两项评估。ICBT组平均完成了5个模块中的3.71个，其中58.8%完成了所有模块。与对照组相比，ICBT组在完美主义努力（FMPS对错误的担忧：d = - 0.65, 95% CI[- 1.05, - 0.25]）、焦虑（GAD-7: d = - 0.42, 95% CI[- 0.83, - 0.01]）和生活满意度（SWLS: d = 0.62, 95% CI[0.20, 1.03]）方面均有显著降低。结论：ICBT项目有效地减少了完美主义的努力和相关症状，突出了其作为一种可扩展和可获得的干预措施的潜力。需要进一步的研究来直接比较ICBT与传统的面对面CBT，并评估治疗效果的持久性。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health Medicine-Health Informatics

CiteScore

6.50

自引率

9.30%

发文量

审稿时长

6 weeks

期刊介绍： Official Journal of the European Society for Research on Internet Interventions (ESRII) and the International Society for Research on Internet Interventions (ISRII). The aim of Internet Interventions is to publish scientific, peer-reviewed, high-impact research on Internet interventions and related areas. Internet Interventions welcomes papers on the following subjects: • Intervention studies targeting the promotion of mental health and featuring the Internet and/or technologies using the Internet as an underlying technology, e.g. computers, smartphone devices, tablets, sensors • Implementation and dissemination of Internet interventions • Integration of Internet interventions into existing systems of care • Descriptions of development and deployment infrastructures • Internet intervention methodology and theory papers • Internet-based epidemiology • Descriptions of new Internet-based technologies and experiments with clinical applications • Economics of internet interventions (cost-effectiveness) • Health care policy and Internet interventions • The role of culture in Internet intervention • Internet psychometrics • Ethical issues pertaining to Internet interventions and measurements • Human-computer interaction and usability research with clinical implications • Systematic reviews and meta-analysis on Internet interventions