January 17, 2025

Understanding Perfectionism by G. E. Kawika Allen and others

50 minutes

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:

Definition and Impact: Perfectionism can motivate growth or stifle it, leading to low self-worth and negative behaviors. Toxic perfectionism involves demanding perfection and being highly critical of oneself or others.

Healthy Perfectionism: This involves setting high goals and striving for rewards while being flexible and understanding if expectations are not met. It is linked to responsibility, hard work, and thoroughness.

Toxic Perfectionism: Distinguished by a fear of mistakes, toxic perfectionism can be self-oriented, other-oriented, or socially prescribed. It often leads to feelings of hopelessness and personal failure.

Types of Toxic Perfectionism:

Self-Oriented: Demanding perfection of oneself with irrationally high goals.

Other-Oriented: Demanding perfection from others, leading to strained relationships.

Socially Prescribed: Believing one must be perfect for someone else, leading to low self-esteem and a need for validation.

Consequences: Toxic perfectionism is associated with poor physical health, anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders. It can lead to constant feelings of fear and harsh personal criticism.

Causes: Factors include high societal expectations, controlling parenting styles, and conditional parental love. Societal trends show increasing rates of perfectionism among younger generations.

Perfectionism and Religion: The article explores the intersection of perfectionism and religion, highlighting both positive and negative impacts on mental health within religious contexts.

You can read the full article for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/article/understanding-perfectionism

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