BYU Studies, whose focus is to publish scholarship aligned with the gospel of Jesus Christ recently published a journal about Latter-day Saints and toxic perfectionism.
BYU professor of Church History and Doctrine, Justin Dyer, says he heard claims that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints experience higher rates of toxic perfectionism than average. Dyer wanted to find out if it was true.
“Latter-day Saints actually are, on average, lower in perfectionism than those of no faith,” Dyer explained.
Dyer had been tracking 2000 youth over the past 8 years.
“We started when they were about 12 to 14. They're now 20 to 22, and we've gotten information about their mental health, about their family life, about their religion. We have about half Latter-day Saints, half not Latter-day Saints," he said.
Psychology student Jacelin Clayton is an article co-author in this journal. She focused her research on scrupulosity.
“Scrupulosity is like a subtype of OCD. It's associated with very compulsive and obsessive behaviors about religion,” she said.
This research hits close to home for Clayton. She explains that she’s faced scrupulosity herself.
She explained that hers “was so intense, like I was probably spending like five hours a day acting on my religious compulsions.”
The research findings show that toxic perfectionism and scrupulosity can have serious mental health effects.
Dyer said that, “it's related to more depression, anxiety, even more suicidal thoughts.”
Dyer and Clayton recommend that anyone dealing with these conditions consult with medical professionals and seek spiritual guidance.
“Always know that God loves you, that you're still a worthwhile person,” said Dyer.
Clayton said, “I think when I was able to get out of that, I actually got to see Jesus Christ for who He actually was — now someone that just gives me strength and loves me.”
This journal is now available online on the BYU Studies website.