Multidimensional perfectionism and cortisol stress response in non-clinical populations: A systematic review and evaluation

The purpose of the study was to conduct a systematic review and evaluation of research examining multidimensional perfectionism and cortisol in non-clinical populations. A literature search yielded 6 studies examining cortisol reactivity (CR) and 2 studies examining cortisol awakening response (CAR). Each study was rated in terms of the methodological quality and evidence for the relationship between dimensions of perfectionism (perfectionistic strivings, PS, and perfectionistic concerns, PC) and cortisol was recorded. For CR, 1 study was rated as low methodological quality, 1 study was rated as medium methodological quality, and 4 studies were rated as high methodological quality. Of the high-quality studies, one study provided supportive evidence of a positive relationship between PC and CR, and a further 3 provided inconclusive/null evidence. The only high-quality study to examine the relationship between PS and CR provided inconclusive/null evidence. For CAR, 1 study was rated as low methodological quality and the other as medium methodological quality. Based on these findings, no firm conclusions can be drawn regarding the relationship between perfectionism and cortisol. Moreover, if research continues in the same vein, future research is unlikely to examine the relationship appropriately. We therefore recommend future research follows expert guidelines regarding assessing cortisol responses.