BYU Studies

This poem by Kevin Klein received an honorable mention in the 2021 Clinton F. Larson Poetry Contest, sponsored by BYU Studies.

This article from Noel B. Reynolds discusses the use of covenant as a concept in religious tradition and scripture, and consider how it has been discussed in scholarship up to the current day. Reynolds then discusses how these ideas can tie to the understanding of covenant in the Book of Mormon and how this study can "enrich those teachings for a modern reader."

“Parental Influence on Adolescent Perfectionism” by Jenet Jacob Erickson, Olivia Forsberg, and McKenna Schmidt. Published BYU Studies 63 no. 4 (2024).

Key Points:

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:

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:

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.