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. 2024 Dec 10:15:1456902.
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1456902. eCollection 2024.

The relationship between perfectionism and marital outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Kiana Hadian Hamedani  1 , Mohammad Reza Majzoobi  1 , Simon Forstmeier  1
Affiliations

The relationship between perfectionism and marital outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Kiana Hadian Hamedani et al. Front Psychol. .

Abstract

Introduction: Perfectionism, as a transdiagnostic variable, can influence both the intrapersonal and interpersonal domains, one of the most significant of them is thought to be marital relationship. Given that perfectionism within a couple can negatively affect their intimate relationship and potentially lead to destructive outcomes, reviewing studies conducted in this area seems to be essential to gain a clearer understanding. Therefore, the present systematic review aims to examine the association between perfectionism and marital outcomes in married individuals.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across major scientific databases, including APA PsycArticles, PubMed, and Web of Science, using specific keywords and Boolean operators. Included were the English-Language studies published between 1980 and 2023 that investigated the relationship between perfectionism and marital outcomes in heterosexual couples. Out of the studies identified, 23 met the inclusion criteria for this review, of which 16 studies met the criteria for meta-analysis.

Results: The meta-analysis indicated a small-to-moderate effect size for the association between perfectionism and marital outcomes (r = 0.26). Given the importance of marital relationship, such effect sizes for variables which may influence marital relationship bears significant value.

Discussion: Therefore, the findings may encourage researchers to conduct various studies to examine specific details, moderators, and mediators in the relationship between perfectionism and marital outcomes and may also prompt couple therapists to address perfectionism as a destructive factor and integrate strategies into their protocols to reduce its impact in intimate relationships.

Keywords: dyadic perfectionism; marital outcomes; meta-analysis; perfectionism; systematic review.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The reviewer PJ declared a past co-authorship with the authors MRM, SF to the handling editor.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flowchart of studies found through literature search and screening (Page et al., 2021).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Risk of bias assessment in terms of studies as well as criteria presented in the ARHQ assessment tool.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The result of meta-analysis for the relationship between perfectionism and Marital outcomes.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Funnel Plot for the assessment of the publication bias of the included studies.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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