Associations between perfectionism and empathy in psychiatry and neurology residents

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.