Self-help books for perfectionism using ACT and CBT

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Self-Help Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Perfectionism

Not applicable Interventional Utah State University · NCT06057740

This study tests if reading self-help books based on therapy techniques can help adults with perfectionism feel better and improve their well-being.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUtah State University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Logan, Utah)
Trial IDNCT06057740 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of self-help books based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for adults struggling with perfectionism. Participants will be randomly assigned to either read one of the self-help books or be placed in a waitlist control group. Over a 10-week period, participants will complete surveys to assess changes in perfectionism, general distress, well-being, and affect. The study seeks to determine the feasibility and acceptability of bibliotherapy as an intervention for perfectionism.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adult university students who exhibit high levels of perfectionism.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as perfectionists or do not meet the inclusion criteria may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide accessible self-help resources for individuals dealing with perfectionism, potentially improving their mental health and well-being.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that both ACT and CBT are effective in treating perfectionism, but this specific bibliotherapy approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* an adult (18 years and older) student at the university
* the ability to understand and read English
* access to the university's online library resources
* endorse high perfectionism (29 or more on the concerns over mistakes Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Subscale)

Exclusion Criteria:

* N/A

Where this trial is running

Logan, Utah

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions PerfectionismAcceptance and commitment therapyCognitive behavioral therapyBibliotherapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.