Efficacy of Existential Group Therapy and Self-Compassion Therapy in Reducing Negative Perfectionism and Self-criticism Among Individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

Abstract

Background: Maladaptive (negative) perfectionism and self-criticism are core therapeutic targets in obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). Objectives: This study compared the efficacy of existential group therapy (EGT) and self-compassion therapy (SCT) in reducing negative perfectionism and self-criticism among individuals with OCPD. Methods: This quasi-experimental study used a pretest-posttest control group design with a 3-month follow-up. Forty-five adults diagnosed with OCPD in Kerman, Iran, during 2024 - 2025 were selected through purposive sampling and randomly allocated to three groups (n = 15 each): EGT (10 sessions of 90 minutes), SCT (10 sessions of 90 minutes), or a nonintervention control group. Outcomes were assessed using the Negative Perfectionism subscale of the Positive and Negative Perfectionism Scale and the Levels of Self-Criticism Scale. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni post hoc tests in SPSS version 26. Results: Both interventions significantly reduced negative perfectionism and self-criticism compared with the control group (P < 0.01 for all posttest comparisons). EGT was more effective than SCT in reducing negative perfectionism (P = 0.002). No significant difference was observed between EGT and SCT in reducing self-criticism, indicating comparable therapeutic efficacy. Conclusions: Both modalities reduced core OCPD symptoms. EGT provided greater clinical benefit for negative perfectionism, whereas EGT and SCT showed comparable efficacy in alleviating self-criticism.