Ever wondered if tackling perfection could improve eating disorder habits? The study “A randomised controlled evaluation of an online perfectionism intervention for people with disordered eating – how perfect does it need to be?” looked at just that. The study investigated the effectiveness of two programs targeting perfectionism in individuals with disordered eating habits. Through a randomized controlled trial, researchers found compelling evidence that targeting perfectionism led to both significant reductions in levels of perfectionism and improvements in symptoms of disordered eating. Both interventions performed well and very few differences were found between them on how they impacted symptom severity and psychological wellbeing. This suggests a promising avenue for intervention in addressing the complex relationship between perfectionism and disordered eating. By providing accessible online resources, individuals struggling with these issues may have access to effective support and treatment without needing access to a therapist. The study underscores the importance of considering perfectionism as a factor in disordered eating and highlights the potential of online interventions to offer valuable assistance in managing these challenges.
Read the full paper here: Robinson, K., Egan, S. J., Shafran, R., & Wade, T. D. (2024). A randomised controlled evaluation of an online perfectionism intervention for people with disordered eating – how perfect does it need to be?, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2024.2313739
Featured photo: Susanne Nilsson