Perfectionism is an increasingly common trait among young people — and that's raising alarm among psychologists.

The big picture: Researchers have a special test — called the "Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale" — to measure perfectionism. And college students' test results show that rates of perfectionism have been steadily rising since the 1980s.

They have especially spiked in the last two decades, The New York Times' Christina Caron writes.

• Trends driving the rise could include increased pressure from parents or the culture of constant comparison fueled by social media.

The stakes: It's unsurprising that perfectionism can quickly lead to anxiety and depression when we fail to hit our unrealistic ideals.

• It can be paralyzing. It's hard to get anything done if the result needs to be perfect.
• It's a cycle. Studies have shown that parents pass perfectionism onto their kids.

🔬 Zoom in: As we've reported, one way to break out of the perfectionism mindset is to pick up new hobbies, especially if they don't come naturally to you.

• Struggling, or even failing, is one of the most effective ways to overcome fear and boost creativity.
• Plus, getting comfortable with failure signals to the brain that it's OK to be imperfect.

🔭 Zoom out: Literally. Caron writes that one effective strategy is to imagine how you might feel about a current stressor tomorrow, or in a week.

• That can quickly bust the perfectionism trap and put things in perspective.

Pic du jour: Finish Liner Robert Mendelson sends this photo of the spring melt in Montreal.