26 January 2026, by Anke Ellegast

Based on our previous research findings, which showed enhanced neural error processing in individuals with anxiety and obsessive‑compulsive disorders, we collaborated with master’s students to develop an online program aimed at reducing error sensitivity, a facet of perfectionism, and examined its efficacy. In our study, we found that in a sample of 237 participants, self‑reported error sensitivity decreased after completing the one‑week online program and remained reduced for at least eight weeks. In a subset of the sample, we additionally measured neural error processing in 69 participants using EEG, focusing on the error‑related negativity (ERN) and error positivity (Pe). Here, the online program led to a reduction in the Pe, but not in the ERN. Our online program thus represents a low‑threshold and effective intervention that could be used both preventively and as a supplement to traditional psychotherapy.

Härpfer, K., Kausche, F. M., Meyer, A., Schmidt, N. B., & Riesel, A. (2026). Targeting self-reported and neural error sensitivity: Short- and long-term effects of a one-week online intervention. International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology, 26(1), 100667. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijchp.2026.100667