A randomised controlled feasibility trial of guided parent-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy for children's perfectionism.
Tracey D Wade, Sarah J Egan, Maya Jabs et al.
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In 30 seconds
This two-arm randomised controlled feasibility trial assessed a six-session online, guided parent-delivered cognitive behavioural intervention for parents of children aged 7–12 with elevated perfectionism, compared with a waitlist. Of 89 enquiries, 49 families were randomised; 60% of intervention-group parents completed all sessions. In intention-to-treat analyses, parental perfectionism was lower with the intervention at both follow-ups, with between-group effect sizes of 0.95 (95% CI 0.37 to 1.53) at the end of treatment and 0.65 (95% CI 0.08 to 1.21) at follow-up. Several child-reported outcomes also favoured intervention, but child perfectionism did not differ significantly.
Key findings
- Among 49 randomised families, 60% of parents assigned to the intervention completed all six sessions.
- Parental perfectionism was lower than waitlist at treatment end (ES 0.95, 95% CI 0.37 to 1.53) and follow-up (ES 0.65, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.21).
- At follow-up, child-reported school satisfaction, academic self-efficacy, stress, depression and weight/shape concerns favoured intervention, with effect sizes ranging from 0.58 to 0.82.
- There was no significant between-group difference in child perfectionism.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that a parent-delivered approach may influence both parental perfectionism and several aspects of children’s reported wellbeing, even without a detectable change in child perfectionism itself. This supports further evaluation of family-focused approaches while highlighting that engagement was incomplete and that the reported child benefits are preliminary.
What to keep in mind
This was a feasibility trial with 49 randomised families, and only 60% of intervention parents completed all sessions. The authors recommend larger samples and longer-term follow-up.