Perfectionism and The Efficacy of Mindfully-Based Coping Interventions

Date

2020-04-24

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Honors Program, The University of Tampa

Abstract

Two studies investigated links among perfectionism, stress, and mindfulness. An exploratory pilot study (N = 297) showed correlations among perfectionistic tendencies, stress levels, and mindfully-inclined thinking. The main study (N = 69) asked whether mindfulness interventions are effective at reducing stress and increasing mindfulness for those with different types of perfectionism (high standards vs. maladaptive, as measured by the Revised Almost Perfect Scale). Participants completed a stressful task and then were randomly assigned to complete a mindfully-inclined journaling exercise, art exercise or control condition, which were all developed by the author. The primary dependent variables were pre-post exercise changes in mindfulness scores measured by the State Mindfulness Scale (SMS) and stress scores measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Findings supported increased state mindfulness and decreased stress levels following treatment, regardless of treatment condition or variations in perfectionism. Notable interactions and future implications were explored and discussed.

Description

Recommended Citation: Simon, Alia R. “Perfectionism and The Efficacy of Mindfully-Based Coping Interventions.” Honors Program, The University of Tampa, 2020. https://doi.org/10.48497/N1PG-4J13.

Keywords

Mindfulness, Self-compassion, Art, Journaling, Interventions, Stress, Perfectionism

Citation

Simon, Alia R. “Perfectionism and The Efficacy of Mindfully-Based Coping Interventions.” Honors Program, The University of Tampa, 2020. https://doi.org/10.48497/N1PG-4J13.