The relationship between perfectionism and rumination in post traumatic stress disorder.

BACKGROUND

To date no research has investigated the link between Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and perfectionism in a clinical sample.

AIMS: The aim of the current study was to examine whether there is a relationship between PTSD and perfectionism. This is important to address as many studies have demonstrated a link between other anxiety disorders, eating disorders, depression and perfectionism. The research also aimed to examine whether rumination was a mediator of the relationship between PTSD and perfectionism.

METHOD: The sample consisted of 30 participants who were currently in treatment for PTSD.

RESULTS

The results suggest that perfectionism and PTSD symptoms were significantly correlated. In addition, rumination was a significant mediator of the relationship between Concern over Mistakes and PTSD.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings help increase understanding about the relationships of perfectionism and rumination in PTSD and have implications for the treatment of PTSD.