Does perfectionism impact adherence to homework assignment? A preliminary pilot study of perfectionism and procrastination of CBT homework.

Background: Homework assignments are generally viewed as an important factor of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT).

Aim: This study examined whether perfectionists procrastinate homework assignments.

Method: Thirty-eight university students attended two sessions, 7 days apart from each other. After completing perfectionism scales at the first session, they were asked to complete homework tasks from a self-help wellbeing booklet and return the booklet at session 2.

Results: Only maladaptive facets of perfectionism correlated with most of the behavioural measures of procrastination. Moreover, those high in maladaptive perfectionism set and completed fewer planned activities to improve their mood.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that perfectionism may affect how clients set their homework, and perfectionism may interfere with the homework assignments of CBT.