Associations between perfectionism and symptoms of anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression in young people: a meta-analysis

Cogn Behav Ther. 2023 May 17:1-28. doi: 10.1080/16506073.2023.2211736. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTPerfectionism is a transdiagnostic process contributing to the onset and maintenance of anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the association between perfectionism, and symptoms of anxiety, OCD and depression among young people aged 6-24 years. A systematic literature search retrieved a total of 4,927 articles, with 121 studies included (Mpooled age = ~17.70 years). Perfectionistic concerns demonstrated significant moderate pooled correlations with symptoms of anxiety (r = .37-.41), OCD (r = .42), and depression (r = .40). Perfectionistic strivings demonstrated significant, small correlations with symptoms of anxiety (r = .05) and OCD (r = .19). The findings highlight the substantial link between perfectionistic concerns and psychopathology in young people, and to a smaller extent perfectionistic strivings, anxiety, and OCD. The results indicate the importance of further research on early intervention for perfectionism to improve youth mental health.PMID:37194469 | DOI:10.1080/16506073.2023.2211736
Source: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Source Type: research