PROVO, Utah — A recent study conducted by researchers at Brigham Young University explored the effects of perfectionism on young people, particularly in relation to their religious beliefs and mental well-being. The study, which spanned eight years, followed adolescents from ages 12 to 14 into early adulthood to track how their perspectives evolved.
Dr. Justin Dyer, who led the research team, noted that perfectionism is generally characterized by an intense fear of failure, self-criticism, and a strong desire to meet unrealistic standards. The study examined youth from different religious backgrounds, including members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as those with other or no religious affiliations.
While previous research has suggested that perfectionism may be more prevalent among Latter-day Saints, the study’s findings painted a more complex picture. Data revealed that 12% of LDS youth exhibited high levels of perfectionism, whereas 20% of atheist and agnostic youth showed similar traits.
Dyer emphasized the distinction between striving for excellence and harmful perfectionism, explaining that “toxic perfectionism isn’t just about setting high expectations—it’s about how individuals perceive themselves when they don’t meet those expectations.”
Interestingly, the study also found that individuals who had left the LDS faith reported the highest levels of perfectionism, with 27% of former members struggling with these traits. According to BYU researcher Michael Goodman, these individuals often experienced perfectionism both before and after leaving the church, suggesting that religious disaffiliation did not significantly alter their tendency toward self-criticism.
Morgan Dennis, a practicing member of the church, shared her personal experience with religious scrupulosity—a form of perfectionism linked to extreme self-judgment in religious practices. She noted that people who struggle with this mindset often feel unworthy of positive experiences.
Dyer pointed out that misinterpreting religious teachings can sometimes contribute to perfectionist thinking, but support groups exist both within and outside the Church to help individuals navigate these challenges.
Ultimately, Dennis believes that the most important message for those struggling with perfectionism is that they are valued and loved unconditionally. “It’s about reminding people that their worth isn’t tied to achievements or failures—God loves them as they are,” she said .
