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

Family Health

Factors Affecting Family Health: Personal Histories and Wellness

Personal health is often influenced by one's family health history. 

by John Fisher (assisted by AI)

Health is a deeply personal and familial experience, influenced by genetics, lifestyle choices, social dynamics, economic conditions, and access to healthcare. In a Health and Wellness class, students reflected on their family health histories, sharing insights into both physical and mental health challenges and the efforts taken to maintain well-being. These narratives highlight the importance of awareness, preventative care, and healthy habits that shape long-term health outcomes for individuals and future generations.

Genetic Health Conditions

Many students noted inherited health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and managing these risks. One student shared, “My family has a history of heart and blood-related problems. Both of my grandfathers have undergone heart surgery and survived.” Another described their family’s battle with cancer: “My grandfather had cancer, my mom has had cancer, and my sister is high risk for cancer.” These experiences reinforce the need for regular medical check-ups and proactive health management.

Mental Health Challenges

Mental health concerns were a recurring theme, with students recognizing hereditary conditions such as anxiety, depression, and neurodivergent traits. One student reflected, “Genetically, we have a predisposition for several mental illnesses and neurodivergencies. Luckily, with increased access to mental health resources, my family has been able to get the medications, therapies, and general support we need.” Another noted, “Both my mother and father’s side have struggled with anxiety and depression. My father has been on medication for years, and my younger sister was recently diagnosed as well.” These stories underscore the importance of mental health awareness, access to professional care, and open discussions within families.

Lifestyle and Preventative Health

Students described how their families incorporate healthy habits to combat genetic and environmental health risks. Many cited diet and exercise as key factors in shaping their well-being. “My parents started running in their 30s, and now they’ve run multiple marathons. I also picked up running and plan to do my first marathon this year,” shared one student. Another emphasized the impact of home-cooked meals: “In my house, food is made from scratch with fresh ingredients almost 100% of the time. We focus on eating vegetables, fruits, and organic food.” These examples illustrate how lifestyle choices can counteract hereditary risks and contribute to overall health.

Social Dynamics and Family Structure

Family relationships and upbringing significantly impact health behaviors. Divorce, parental influence, and family traditions were commonly mentioned. One student reflected on the impact of divorce: “My parents are divorced, and my brothers and I tend to live fairly unhealthy lives… my step-siblings, on the other hand, go to the gym daily.” Another noted how parental habits shaped their own: “My mom’s commitment to fitness motivated me to make exercise a part of my daily routine.” These experiences show how family environments influence health behaviors in positive or negative ways.

Economic and Educational Factors

Access to healthcare, nutritious food, and fitness opportunities is often shaped by financial status and education. One student highlighted the challenges of affording healthy food: “Healthy food is getting expensive… my parents ask us not to waste it.” Another noted the difficulties of accessing wellness resources: “Gym memberships, therapy, and organic food are expensive, making health feel like a privilege for some.” Education also plays a role—families that are well-informed about health risks tend to prioritize preventative care, such as regular screenings for conditions like diabetes and cancer.

The Role of Stress and Mental Health

Stress is a significant factor in family health. Many students discussed how family stressors—work pressures, financial burdens, and childhood trauma—contributed to both physical and mental health struggles. One student shared, “Mental health is a huge part of my family… everyone has dealt with suicidal thoughts at one time or another.” These accounts highlight the need for mental health support systems and stress management strategies within families.

Technology and Sedentary Lifestyles

Technology use, especially video games and screen time, was another factor affecting family health. Some students noted how excessive gaming contributed to a sedentary lifestyle: “My step-siblings play video games all day, but they also make time to exercise.” Others admitted that screen time often led to unhealthy eating habits and irregular sleep. However, students who balanced gaming with physical activity and structured routines showed that technology’s impact on health depends on how it is managed.

Overcoming Health Struggles

Many students shared stories of resilience and overcoming health challenges. One student described their experience with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS): “EDS has caused my mother to have many health complications and surgeries. For me, it has made me hypermobile and susceptible to injury, but physical therapy has helped me manage it.” Another reflected on breaking unhealthy cycles: “I grew up eating mostly fast food, but now I’m learning to cook healthier meals and exercise regularly.” These narratives show that despite genetic predispositions and environmental challenges, individuals can take proactive steps to improve their health.

Conclusion

Family health is influenced by more than just genetics—it is shaped by lifestyle choices, social dynamics, economic conditions, education, mental health, and technology use. While some factors are inherited, many health outcomes are within an individual’s control. Students recognized the importance of breaking unhealthy cycles, prioritizing mental wellness, and making informed health decisions. As one student wisely stated, “I believe that God has blessed us with incredible bodies, and it’s our responsibility to care for them.” These reflections serve as a reminder that while family history provides insights into potential risks, the choices we make ultimately define our health and wellness.

Hashtags:

#HealthAndWellness #FamilyHealth #MentalWellness #HealthyHabits #PreventativeCare

12-steps for Drug Addicts

Transforming Addiction: Embracing Recovery Through the 12 Steps

Windle, Lauren. (2018, March 28). Lessons a drug addict can teach you. TEDxSurreyUniversity.

Summary:
Lauren Windle shares her personal journey from heavy drinking and cocaine use at 22 to achieving sobriety through the structured process of the 12-step recovery program. After hitting a low point marked by deteriorating physical health and emotional isolation, she sought help from a support group where honest sharing and connection played a pivotal role. By admitting her powerlessness, embracing a higher power, conducting a moral inventory, and making amends, Lauren gradually rebuilt her life. Her story underscores the importance of self-care, community support, and the transformative power of facing one’s fears to overcome addiction. Now, she facilitates a recovery course to help others find the path to healing.

1. Admitted powerlessness: We admitted we were powerless over our addiction and that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Believed in a greater power: We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Turned our lives over: We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
4. Conducted a moral inventory: We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted our wrongs: We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Prepared for change: We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked for help: We humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of those harmed: We made a list of all persons we had harmed.
9. Became willing to make amends: We became willing to make amends to them all.
10. Continued personal inventory: We continued to take personal inventory and promptly admitted when we were wrong.
11. Sought spiritual connection: We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will and the power to carry that out.
12. Carried the message: Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics or addicts and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Life Transitions

Rewriting Life’s Story: Mastering Transitions

Summary:

Bruce Feiler recounts a pivotal moment when a phone call about his father’s suicide attempts reshaped his understanding of life transitions. His father, a Navy veteran, faced severe depression after developing Parkinson’s. In an effort to help, Feiler engaged his father in storytelling, prompting him to reflect on his childhood memories, which ultimately revitalized his sense of purpose. This personal experience led to a broader exploration of life transitions.

Through a research project collecting hundreds of life stories, Feiler discovered that the traditional idea of a linear life is outdated. Instead, life is marked by frequent disruptors, with major upheavals—“lifequakes”—occurring three to five times in an average person’s lifetime. The speaker emphasizes that transitions are nonlinear and involve phases of loss, adaptation, and renewal, but can be navigated successfully through intentional strategies. These include embracing emotions, seeking guidance, engaging in creative pursuits, and rewriting one’s life narrative. Ultimately, he argues that storytelling is a powerful tool for resilience, allowing individuals to reclaim agency over their life’s direction.

Reference:

The Secret to Mastering Life's Biggest Transitions | Bruce Feiler | TED

YouTube: The Power of Life Transitions