Are Latter-day Saints Prone to Perfectionism? (Justin Dyer)

Perfectionism in adolescence can be a heavy, even isolating, burden—shaped by social media, identity pressures, and the overwhelming number of choices youth face. Amid these challenges the Doctrine and Covenants offers a powerful reminder: “Remember that the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” (18:10). This eternal truth stands out in contrast to the feeling standards of the world. In this episode Professor Justin Dyer explains how such expectations contribute to rising perfectionism among our youth. Drawing from BYU’s Foundations data, he offers advice on how parents, teachers, and leaders can help youth navigate these pressures and find peace in eternal truths. By helping young people anchor their self-worth in truth, we can guide them away from toxic perfectionism and toward a life of purpose, peace, and resilience.

Publications:

• “Perfectionism Across Adolescence,” BYU Studies Quarterly, 63.4 (2024)
• “The Family Proclamation: The Secular and Spiritual Context,” co-authored with Michael A. Goodman, Religious Educator, 24.2 (2023)
• “Family Foundations of Youth Development: Research Update,” Review Magazine, Winter 2023
• “Adolescents, Mental Health, and the Benefits of Private Religious Worship,”, co-authored with Mark D. Ogletree and Lindsay Cowdin, Religious Educator, 22.3 (2021)
• Family Foundations of Youth Development data website

Click here to learn more about Justin Dyer