Even though many know that the biblical injunction to “be ye therefore perfect” is referring to wholeness or completion through Christ, rather than the elimination of errors, literal perfectionism continues to pervade LDS culture. Parents who strive for perfection while raising their children may unwittingly pass on perfectionistic expectations and anxieties to their children, leading to negative mental health consequences. This presentation will cover current research on perfectionism and explore how perfectionism and LDS culture are related. It will offer practical strategies for parents and discuss existing doctrines the institutional LDS Church can accentuate to de-emphasize perfectionism.

Kelly Furr