BYU Studies

“Parental Influence on Adolescent Perfectionism” by Jenet Jacob Erickson, Olivia Forsberg, and McKenna Schmidt. Published BYU Studies 63 no. 4 (2024). Key Points: Parental Influence: Parents' own perfectionism can impact their children, especially through modeling behaviors and psychological control. Fathers' and mothers' perfectionism influences boys and girls differently. Psychological Control: Psychological control, such as withdrawing love and shaming, is strongly linked to the development of toxic perfectionism, particularly in girls. Fathers' psychological control has a significant impact on daughters' perfectionism. Family Dynamics: Family chaos and disengagement are predictors of higher levels of toxic perfectionism in youth. Boys are more affected by family chaos, while girls are more affected by family rigidity. Parenting Styles: Authoritarian parenting combined with psychological control can lead to toxic perfectionism. Authoritative parenting, which balances high standards with warmth and responsiveness, is considered ideal. Cultural Factors: Cultural changes, such as competitive individualism and meritocracy, contribute to the rise in perfectionism among young adults. Recommendations: Parents should focus on creating a supportive and flexible family environment. Emphasizing unconditional love and acceptance can help mitigate the development of toxic perfectionism in children. You can read the text of this article for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/article/parental-influence-on-adolescent-perfectionism.

This article by W. Justin Dyer, published BYU Studies 63, no. 4 (2024) explores how perfectionism develops and changes during adolescence. Key points from this article: Development of Perfectionism: Perfectionism tends to increase slightly from age 12 to 18. Discrepancy perfectionism (feeling you are not meeting expectations) and social perfectionism (feeling the need to be perfect for others) follow similar trajectories. Perfectionism Trajectories: Youth can be categorized into low, mid, and high perfectionism groups. 34% of youth fall into the low group, 48% into the mid group, and 18% into the high group. Influence of Social Media: High social media use is linked to higher levels of perfectionism. 22% of those using social media for three hours daily are high in perfectionism, compared to 13% of those who do not use social media. Gender Differences: Girls are more likely to be high perfectionists compared to boys. Nearly twice the percentage of girls are in the high perfectionism group than boys. Geographical Differences: Youth in Utah have higher rates of perfectionism compared to those in Arizona and California. 18% of youth in Utah are high in perfectionism, compared to 13% in Arizona and 11% in California. Sexual Orientation: Sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) have higher rates of perfectionism. 27% of SGMs are high in perfectionism, compared to 14% of non-SGMs. You can read the text of this article for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/article/perfectionism-across-adolescence.

This book notice, written by Lane Welch about Robert A. Rees 2020 book A New Witness to the World, discusses the structure of the book and its value to those wishing to better understand the Book of Mormon.

This poem by David Thacker won first place in the 2022 Clinton F. Larson Poetry Contest, sponsored by BYU Studies.

This essay by Shamae Budd sheds light on the quiet difficulties that are faced in life and their eventual acceptance.

What is perfectionism? Does healthy perfectionism exist? What are the consequences of toxic perfectionism? This article by G. E. Kawika Allen, Jacelin Clayton, Emma Moore, and Debra Theobald McClendon explores perfectionism and scrupulously as it pertains to Latter-day Saints. Key Points: ​ Definition and Impact: Perfectionism can motivate growth or stifle it, leading to low self-worth and negative behaviors. Toxic perfectionism involves demanding perfection and being highly critical of oneself or others.​ Healthy Perfectionism: This involves setting high goals and striving for rewards while being flexible and understanding if expectations are not met. It is linked to responsibility, hard work, and thoroughness.​ Toxic Perfectionism: Distinguished by a fear of mistakes, toxic perfectionism can be self-oriented, other-oriented, or socially prescribed. It often leads to feelings of hopelessness and personal failure.​ Types of Toxic Perfectionism:​ Self-Oriented: Demanding perfection of oneself with irrationally high goals.​ Other-Oriented: Demanding perfection from others, leading to strained relationships.​ Socially Prescribed: Believing one must be perfect for someone else, leading to low self-esteem and a need for validation.​​ Consequences: Toxic perfectionism is associated with poor physical health, anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders. It can lead to constant feelings of fear and harsh personal criticism.​ Causes: Factors include high societal expectations, controlling parenting styles, and conditional parental love. Societal trends show increasing rates of perfectionism among younger generations.​ Perfectionism and Religion: The article explores the intersection of perfectionism and religion, highlighting both positive and negative impacts on mental health within religious contexts. You can read the full article for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/article/understanding-perfectionism

BYU Studies 63 no. 4 (2024) focuses on Latter-day Saints and perfectionism. This introduction by Justin Dyer sets the stage for an exploration of the nuanced relationship between faith and perfectionism. Key points: Introduction to Perfectionism: The article begins by addressing the common perception that Latter-day Saints struggle with perfectionism due to their religious beliefs. Research Findings: Contrary to popular belief, recent research shows that Latter-day Saints are less likely to experience unhealthy levels of perfectionism compared to other groups. Toxic Perfectionism: The article distinguishes between healthy and toxic perfectionism, emphasizing that toxic perfectionism is more about how individuals feel about themselves when they don't meet their standards. Impact on Mental Health: The research highlights the negative psychological and emotional consequences of toxic perfectionism, especially among youth. Religious Influence: The study explores how religion and religious salience (the importance of religion to a person's sense of self) relate to levels of toxic perfectionism. Healing and Self-Compassion: The article discusses approaches to healing from toxic perfectionism and emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and understanding one's worth. Check out the article at https://byustudies.byu.edu/article/are-latter-day-saints-perfectionists.

This article by Paul A. Cox discusses the reality of the world we live in as one facing the threat of nuclear weapons, and questions how we as Latter-day Saints can move forward in faith and love within that reality. He suggests some policy decisions that would help reduce the threat of nuclear war, but also discusses the role of the gospel in creating peace.

Kate Holbrook (born January 13, 1972) died on August 20, 2022. She was academic collaborations director at the Church History Department, noted author, and cohost, with her husband, Sam Brown, of the Committed Conversations podcast series. This is Sam’s eulogy delivered at Kate’s funeral on August 27, 2022.

This book notice by Roger Terry introduces Utahisms: Unique Expressions, Inventions, Place Names, and More, by David Ellingson Eddington, published in 2022. This book is, according to Terry, a short and fun read that discusses some curiosities of Utah language, geography, and history, even debunking common misconceptions.