Youth Study on Perfectionism

BYU Study Reveals Surprising Insights on Toxic Perfectionism in Latter-day Saint Youth

Introduction

A recent study by researchers at Brigham Young University (BYU) sheds new light on the relationship between perfectionism, religiosity, and mental health in young people. While previous research suggested that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) might experience high levels of perfectionism, the study found unexpected results that challenge common assumptions.

Key Findings from the Study

Led by Dr. Justin Dyer, BYU researchers followed a group of young people from ages 12 to 22 to assess how their religious identity influenced their perfectionist tendencies and mental well-being. The study included both Latter-day Saint youth and those from other religious backgrounds.

1. Latter-day Saint Youth Experience Lower Perfectionism Levels

Contrary to expectations, only 12% of LDS youth displayed high levels of perfectionism, compared to 20% of atheist and agnostic youth. Dr. Dyer attributes this to a distinction between high standards and toxic perfectionism.

“Toxic perfectionism isn’t about having high standards. It’s not even about not meeting those high standards. It’s about how you feel about yourself when you don’t meet those standards,” Dyer explained (East Idaho News, 2025).

2. Former Latter-day Saints Show the Highest Perfectionism Rates

Interestingly, 27% of former LDS members exhibited high levels of perfectionism—more than any other group in the study. According to BYU researcher Michael Goodman, this suggests that perfectionist tendencies existed before and after religious disaffiliation, rather than being a direct result of leaving the church.

3. Religious Scrupulosity and Misunderstood Doctrine

Some individuals within the church struggle with religious scrupulosity, an extreme form of perfectionism tied to religious practice. Morgan Dennis, a church member familiar with these struggles, described it as feeling undeserving of good things due to perceived shortcomings.

“When we experience toxic perfectionism, it could be because we’re misunderstanding what the church actually teaches and what the doctrine actually is,” Dyer noted (East Idaho News, 2025).

4. Support for Those Struggling with Perfectionism

The study emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and understanding God’s love in overcoming toxic perfectionism. Many organizations, both inside and outside of the church, offer resources to help individuals struggling with these challenges.

“Showing people that they’re loved, not despite or because of anything, but with everything they’re experiencing, and that God loves them — just reminding them of that — is the most important thing,” Dennis stated (East Idaho News, 2025).

Conclusion

This BYU study challenges stereotypes about Latter-day Saint youth and perfectionism, revealing that while high standards are a core part of their faith, toxic perfectionism is not necessarily more prevalent among them. The findings suggest that understanding religious doctrine and embracing self-compassion are key to maintaining both strong faith and mental well-being.

Reference

East Idaho News Staff. (2025, March 12). BYU study examines ‘toxic perfectionism’ in Latter-day Saints. East Idaho News. https://www.eastidahonews.com/2025/03/byu-study-examines-toxic-perfectionism-in-latter-day-saints/

Keywords: perfectionism, mental health, religiosity, Latter-day Saints, self-acceptance

Hashtags: #Perfectionism #MentalHealth #FaithAndWellness #LDS #SelfCompassion