Associations between perfectionism and empathy in psychiatry and neurology residents
- Authors: Biletskaya M.V.1
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Affiliations:
- Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University
- Issue: Vol 14, No 5 (2023)
- Pages: 107-114
- Section: Clinical psychology
- URL: https://journals.eco-vector.com/pediatr/article/view/626013
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.17816/PED626013
- ID: 626013
Cite item
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Empathy is considered a key element in doctor-patient relationship that may positively influence communication and outcomes. However, the correlation of empathy with perfectionism, which prevalence and rates among students are increasing, remains understudied.
AIM: The aim is to study the associations between perfectionism and empathy in psychiatry and neurology residents.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Psychiatry and neurology residents (n = 100) aged 22–29 filled out the following validated instruments: “Three-Factor Perfectionism Inventory” (N.G. Garanyan, et al.) and “The Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI)” (M. Davis). The sample was divided into three groups with high (n = 37), medium (n = 33) and low (n = 30) levels of perfectionism.
RESULTS: Residents with high level of perfectionism have higher level of personal distress (p < 0.01). In this group were also observed significant positive associations between general level of perfectionism and empathic concern (p < 0.05); socially prescribed perfectionism and personal distress (p < 0.05), fantasy (p < 0.05), empathic concern (p < 0.05); perfectionistic cognitive style and personal distress (p < 0.01). In residents with medium level of perfectionism a positive correlation exists between self-oriented perfectionism and perspective taking (p < 0.05). In residents with low level of perfectionism perspective taking negatively correlated with general level of perfectionism (p < 0.01) and self-oriented perfectionism (p < 0.05); a positive correlation exists between socially prescribed perfectionism and personal distress (p < 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS: These findings allow to identify socially prescribed perfectionism and perfectionistic cognitive style, that associated with personal distress, as targets of psychological correction.
Keywords
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About the authors
Mariya V. Biletskaya
Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University
Author for correspondence.
Email: marbilets@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0008-3403-6606
SPIN-code: 9750-9551
Postgraduate Student, Department of Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy
Russian Federation, Saint PetersburgReferences
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