Perfectionism, worry, rumination, and distress: A meta-analysis of the evidence for the perfectionism cognition theory

The perfectionism cognition theory (PCT) provides a theoretical account of the cognitive mechanisms of perfectionism, with an emphasis on the function of cognitive perseveration. The framework of PCT provides three central themes: (1) that both self-oriented perfectionism (SOP) and socially prescribed perfectionism (SPP) are correlated with rumination and worry; (2) that perfectionists are more likely to suffer from interrelated forms of cognitive perseveration; (3) that rumination and worry are important variables that contribute to vulnerability to emotional distress and physical illness. A meta-analysis was performed to examine the three themes of PCT. The results suggested that both SOP and SPP were positively correlated with worry and rumination. Moderator analyses suggested that both SOP and SPP are correlated with various forms of cognitive perseveration and meta-analytic mediation models suggested worry and rumination contribute to the relationship between perfectionism and distress. The findings of this meta-analysis provide evidence to support the three themes of PCT and shed light on the mechanisms and processes of perfectionism cognition. •Both SOP and SPP were positively correlated with worry and rumination.•Both SOP and SPP were correlated with various forms of cognitive perseveration.•Worry and rumination meditate the relationship between perfectionism and distress.