Patient perfectionism and clinician impression formation during an initial interview.

Higher levels of other-oriented perfectionism and non-display of imperfection were associated with greater clinician-rated hostility during an initial interview. Patient hostility mediated the relationship between patients' other-oriented perfectionism, non-display of imperfection, and less favourable clinician impressions. Our study highlights the importance of assessing and attending to patient perfectionism and displays of hostility during the earliest stages of therapeutic contact.