Article1995

The destructiveness of perfectionism: Implications for the treatment of depression.

926 citations0/0 files storedAmerican Psychologist

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Perfectionism, Procrastination, Anxiety Studies Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications

Abstract

Reports in the public media indicate that intense perfectionism and severe self-criticism played a role in the suicide of three remarkably talented individuals. The role of perfectionism in these suicides is consistent with recent extensive investigations of aspects of perfectionism as well as further analyses of the NIMH Treatment of Depression Collaborative Research Program (TDCRP), indicating that intense perfectionism interfered significantly with therapeutic response in the various brief treatments for depression. Self-critical individuals, however, made substantial improvement in long-term intensive treatment. These findings suggest the value of considering psychopathology, especially depression, from a psychological rather than a symptomatic perspective; that different patients may be differentially responsive to various types of therapy; and that more extensive therapy may be necessary for many highly perfectionistic, self-critical patients.

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Cited by

2013On psychological growth and vulnerability: Basic psychological need satisfaction and need frustration as a unifying principle.2010Perfectionism as a transdiagnostic process: A clinical review 2011Self-Compassion: Conceptualizations, Correlates, & Interventions 2017Perfectionism is increasing over time: A meta-analysis of birth cohort differences from 1989 to 2016.2002Perfectionism and maladjustment: An overview of theoretical, definitional, and treatment issues.

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