The relationship between perfectionism and rumination in post traumatic stress disorder

Behav Cogn Psychother. 2014 Mar;42(2):211-23. doi: 10.1017/S1352465812001129. Epub 2013 Feb 15.

Abstract

Background: To date no research has investigated the link between Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and perfectionism in a clinical sample.

Aims: The aim of the current study was to examine whether there is a relationship between PTSD and perfectionism. This is important to address as many studies have demonstrated a link between other anxiety disorders, eating disorders, depression and perfectionism. The research also aimed to examine whether rumination was a mediator of the relationship between PTSD and perfectionism.

Method: The sample consisted of 30 participants who were currently in treatment for PTSD.

Results: The results suggest that perfectionism and PTSD symptoms were significantly correlated. In addition, rumination was a significant mediator of the relationship between Concern over Mistakes and PTSD.

Conclusions: These findings help increase understanding about the relationships of perfectionism and rumination in PTSD and have implications for the treatment of PTSD.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Attention*
  • Checklist
  • Defense Mechanisms*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychometrics / statistics & numerical data
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Self Concept*
  • Sex Offenses / psychology
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / diagnosis*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Thinking*
  • Western Australia
  • Young Adult