Perfectionism and its treatment
Method Stream: Literature Review
ECs: Both 14 and 23 EC thesis possible
Description:
Perfectionism can be understood as a personality trait, an internalization of societal norms, or a manifestation of an interpersonal dynamic, depending on how one approaches the issue. It is an increasing trend in the Western world, and can be a precursor of mental health disorders such as eating disorders or depressive disorders. Therefore, in treating of certain mental health disorders, it can be crucial to identify and treat the underlying perfectionism.
The aim of this review will be explore and synthesize different approaches to perfectionism and its treatment from a clinical psychological point of view.
For the 14 EC thesis, a review can map definitions of perfectionism in the clinical field, measures of perfectionism or outcomes of different treatment outcomes. The review could also focus on a specific disorder. The review could take the form of a scoping, narrative review or a meta-analysis, depending on the research question.
For the 23 EC thesis, interviews and/or interpretive focus groups could be conducted with different target groups to explore the subjective experience of perfectionism and how it can be treated.
Suggested reading:
Hewitt, P. L. (2020). Perfecting, belonging, and repairing: A dynamic-relational approach to perfectionism. Canadian Psychology, 61, 101-110. https://hewittlab.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2020/06/Perfecting-Belonging-and-Repairing.pdf