BYU Studies

Jeffrey Paul Thompson reviews an evocative photographic journey documenting the remarkable life and contributions of Elizabeth Dennistoun Wood Kane, celebrating her as an influential 19th-century polymath and explorer.Read the full review online.

Richard Lyman Bushman offers thoughtful reflections on the historical, spiritual, and symbolic significance of the Gold Plates, inviting listeners to reconsider their impact on faith and history.Read the full article online.

Robbie Taggart presents a poignant poem exploring faith, loss, and healing, inspired by the biblical story set in Nain, inviting listeners into a deeply reflective and spiritual experience.Read the full poem online.

Nicholas J. Frederick investigates the theological intersections between scriptural symbolism, Earth's age, and ongoing divine revelation, addressing some of the profound mysteries and debates within Church doctrine.Read the full article online.

Eli Peterson shares insights and reflections on the artistic process behind "This Is . . .", revealing how art captures and communicates deep spiritual and emotional truths.Read the full note online.

Join Jared Halverson as he explores the powerful and transformative experience of engaging deeply with scripture, highlighting its ability to evoke wonder, spiritual insight, and enduring wisdom.Read the full article online.

Sarah Hafen d'Evegnée’s essay beautifully weaves personal narrative with metaphor, exploring life’s intricate patterns, choices, and the profound meaning found in everyday experiences.Read the full essay online.

Brandon S. Plewe details the formative years of local church administration, uncovering how early structures and practices shaped the Church’s growth and governance from 1830 to 1845.Read the full article online.

Roger Terry delves into Royal Skousen's landmark Critical Text Project, emphasizing its scholarly significance in enhancing our comprehension and appreciation of the Book of Mormon.Read the full article online.

Cassidy Nichole Pyper argues compellingly that Alma's teachings intentionally include and elevate women, illuminating a more inclusive perspective of Book of Mormon narratives and their enduring spiritual significance.Read the full article online.

<p>Joseph M. Spencer provides an engaging exploration into the Book of Mosiah, highlighting how its narratives can captivate readers and enrich their spiritual understanding through a profound sense of wonder and awe.</p><p><a href="https://byustudies.byu.edu/article/struck-with-wonder-and-amazement-on-reading-the-book-of-mosiah" target="_blank">Read the full article online.</a></p>

Explore the vivid personal writings of Brigham Young, offering intimate insights into his life, conversion experience, and profound faith. LaJean Purcell Carruth presents his unfiltered perspectives, enriching our understanding of this prominent historical figure.Read the full article online.

Love as a Law: Love is described as the substance of God’s law, not a reward to be earned. It is a commandment to love God and others unconditionally.Parable of the Prodigal Son: Both sons in the parable misunderstand love as a reward. The younger son feels unworthy, while the elder son feels entitled. The father represents God’s unconditional love.Perfectionism vs. Perfect Love: Perfectionism is seen as a backward approach to love, focusing on being lovable rather than loving perfectly. God’s perfect love is unconditional and not based on merit.Righteous Judgment: True judgment is about how to love others, not about who deserves love. Love should be given freely, even to enemies.Practical Application: The article encourages readers to stop treating love as a reward and start obeying it as a law, participating in the work of loving others without conditions.For additional information see:https://byustudies.byu.edu/article/love-is-a-law-not-a-reward

This article wraps up this special issue of BYU Studies focusing on Latter-day Saints and perfectionism.Read the article here.

1. Religious Teachings: Explores how religious teachings can influence perfectionistic tendencies, both positively and negatively.2. Spiritual Perfectionism Differentiates between striving for spiritual growth and unhealthy perfectionism that leads to guilt and anxiety.3. Role of Grace: Emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting grace to counteract the negative effects of perfectionism.4. Community Support: Highlights the role of religious communities in providing support and reducing perfectionistic pressures.5. Balancing Effort and Faith: Encourages balancing personal effort with faith in divine assistance to achieve a healthier approach to perfectionism.For additional information see:https://byustudies.byu.edu/article/religion-and-perfectionism

What influence does religion have on toxic perfectionism? Michael A. Goodman explores research findings in this important article.Read the full article online.

This article by Mark D. Ogletree was published in BYU Studies 63, no. 4 (2024). Key points from this article: Types of Perfectionism: Adaptive (positive outcomes) vs. Maladaptive (negative mental health outcomes). Mental Health Impact: Maladaptive perfectionism increases anxiety, depression, stress, and burnout in adolescents. Influences: High parental expectations and societal pressures contribute to perfectionistic traits. Interventions: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness can help manage perfectionism. Supportive Environment: Creating a supportive environment and encouraging balance can mitigate negative effects. To read this article online for free, go to https://byustudies.byu.edu/article/perfectionisms-influence-on-adolescent-mental-health

“Parental Influence on Adolescent Perfectionism” by Jenet Jacob Erickson, Olivia Forsberg, and McKenna Schmidt. Published BYU Studies 63 no. 4 (2024). Key Points: Parental Influence: Parents' own perfectionism can impact their children, especially through modeling behaviors and psychological control. Fathers' and mothers' perfectionism influences boys and girls differently. Psychological Control: Psychological control, such as withdrawing love and shaming, is strongly linked to the development of toxic perfectionism, particularly in girls. Fathers' psychological control has a significant impact on daughters' perfectionism. Family Dynamics: Family chaos and disengagement are predictors of higher levels of toxic perfectionism in youth. Boys are more affected by family chaos, while girls are more affected by family rigidity. Parenting Styles: Authoritarian parenting combined with psychological control can lead to toxic perfectionism. Authoritative parenting, which balances high standards with warmth and responsiveness, is considered ideal. Cultural Factors: Cultural changes, such as competitive individualism and meritocracy, contribute to the rise in perfectionism among young adults. Recommendations: Parents should focus on creating a supportive and flexible family environment. Emphasizing unconditional love and acceptance can help mitigate the development of toxic perfectionism in children. 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: Development of Perfectionism: Perfectionism tends to increase slightly from age 12 to 18. Discrepancy perfectionism (feeling you are not meeting expectations) and social perfectionism (feeling the need to be perfect for others) follow similar trajectories. Perfectionism Trajectories: Youth can be categorized into low, mid, and high perfectionism groups. 34% of youth fall into the low group, 48% into the mid group, and 18% into the high group. Influence of Social Media: High social media use is linked to higher levels of perfectionism. 22% of those using social media for three hours daily are high in perfectionism, compared to 13% of those who do not use social media. Gender Differences: Girls are more likely to be high perfectionists compared to boys. Nearly twice the percentage of girls are in the high perfectionism group than boys. Geographical Differences: Youth in Utah have higher rates of perfectionism compared to those in Arizona and California. 18% of youth in Utah are high in perfectionism, compared to 13% in Arizona and 11% in California. Sexual Orientation: Sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) have higher rates of perfectionism. 27% of SGMs are high in perfectionism, compared to 14% of non-SGMs. You can read the text of this article for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/article/perfectionism-across-adolescence.

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