A Predisposition for Perfectionism: Are Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners Well Beings?

This project investigated the link between perfectionism and burnout in trainee PWPs. A convenience sample of trainee PWPs completed validated measures of burnout and perfectionism at the beginning of modules 1 (T1), 2 (T2) and 3 (T3) and the end of the training year (T4). Average study time and clinical, administration and supervision hours they engaged in weekly were collected at T2, T3, and T4. Correlation coefficients showed a significant positive correlation between exhaustion and narcissistic perfectionism (r=0.812, p<0.05) and supervision and study time (r=0.658, p< 0.05). Supervision and burnout were negatively correlated (r=-0.658, p<0.05). Self-critical perfectionism decreased between T1 and T4 (t=5.099, p<0.05). Higher levels of burnout were reported at T4 (t=-0.373, p< 0.05). The findings support previous research that suggest burnout is problematic in the PWP role, which may begin at trainee status, however, supervision may be a protective factor. In contrast to previous research findings self-critical perfectionism and burnout were unrelated, however self-critical perfectionism reduced between T1 and T4, suggesting trainees may relax some perfectionist traits over time.