Relationship between therapist perfectionism and client outcomes V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Are perfectionist therapists perfect? The relationship between High Intensity Cognitive-Behavioural Therapist perfectionism and client outcomes in treatment for anxiety and depression within IAPT Services.
IRAS ID
82332
Contact name
Elizabeth Newton
Contact email
Research summary
The principal aim of the research is to establish whether there is any relationship between High Intensity Cognitive-Behavioural (CBT) Therapists’ level of perfectionism and their client outcomes and dropout rates in treatment for anxiety and depression within IAPT Services.
Perfectionism has received much attention in the psychological literature, with it being found to be a transdiagnostic maintenance and development factor of a number of psychopathologies, and one which can interfere with treatment engagement and outcome. Models of perfectionism have been proposed with key traits, dimensions and maintenance factors of the construct being identified and notions of ‘adaptive’ and ‘maladaptive’ perfectionism proposed. However, whilst much attention has been paid to client perfectionism in therapy, the impact of therapist perfectionism is far less researched. Traditionally examination of therapist schema (belief system) and how this may impact on the therapeutic alliance and treatment outcomes has taken rather a ‘back-seat’ in CBT. However, in recent years there has been more emphasis on considering these factors, and in line with models of perfectionism, authors have pointed to the potentially detrimental effects of therapist perfectionism on client treatment. This study therefore suggests an empirical investigation into the relationship between therapist perfectionism and client treatment outcomes in CBT.
With the Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) programme being a significant provider of CBT, participants will be High Intensity CBT therapists employed within these sites. Therapist perfectionism will be measured using two short self-report measures of perfectionism, and considered in relation to their clients’ outcomes in treatment as shown by measures of anxiety and depression. Individual participants’ involvement in the study is expected to be no longer than 35 minutes, with the entire data collection phase spanning six IAPT teams over approximately four months.
The study is being completed as part of the researcher’s MSc academic requirements.REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/0502
Date of REC Opinion
13 Mar 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion