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Objective: This randomized controlled trial investigated the efficacy of group dynamic-relational therapy (DRT) relative to group psychodynamic supportive therapy (PST) in treating perfectionism and improving psychological functioning. Hypothesis: Psychodynamically informed therapies, particularly DRT, will be efficacious in treating perfectionism and functioning outcomes. Method: Based on a comprehensive conceptualization of perfectionism, 80 community-recruited, highly perfectionistic individuals were randomly allocated to 12 sessions of group DRT (n = 41; 5 groups) or group PST (n = 39; 5 groups). Patients completed measures of trait perfectionism, perfectionistic self-presentation, perfectionistic cognitions, symptom distress, life satisfaction, and work and social adjustment at pre-, mid-, and posttreatment and 6 months posttreatment. Results: Multigroup latent growth curve modeling revealed significant (p <.05) decreases in all perfectionism components and improvements in all functioning outcomes from pretreatment to 6-month follow-up in both DRT and PST. Likewise, analyses revealed substantial reliable improvement across conditions for all perfectionism components. Last, moderate-to-large between-group differences favoring DRT over PST were found for self-oriented perfectionism, perfectionistic self-promotion, nondisplay of imperfection, nondisclosure of imperfection, and work and social adjustment. Conclusion: Findings provide evidence for the use of psychodynamic approaches in the treatment of perfectionism and support the relative efficacy of DRT for components of perfectionism. What is the public health significance of this article?: This study found evidence supporting the efficacy of psychodynamically informed treatments for perfectionism, a pernicious vulnerability factor in many disorders and dysfunctions. Results also indicated that dynamic-relational therapy was superior to psychodynamic supportive therapy for most components of perfectionism and work and social adjustment. The findings support the importance of psychodynamic group psychotherapy approaches, and dynamic-relational therapy in particular, in treating perfectionism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the effects of cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) compared with traditional behavior therapy, that is exposure and response prevention (ERP) in the group treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Degree to which CBT, relative to ERP, is effective in inducing cognitive change in OCD.