Associations between perfectionism and empathy in psychiatry and neurology residents

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.