The Impact of Stoicism and Perfectionism on Toxic Positivity among Young Adults

Abstract

The present study investigates the relationship between stoicism, perfectionism, and toxic positivity among young adults in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. In a cultural environment that emphasizes emotional resilience and positivity, this research examines how stoic attitudes and perfectionistic tendencies contribute to the prevalence of toxic positivity-an excessive form of optimism that suppresses genuine emotional expression. To achieve the objective of the study quantitative cross-sectional design was employed where sample was based upon young adults between 20- 35 years of age. The sample (M=1.55, SD=0.49) was gender inclusive collected through convenient sampling technique (N = 350). Participants completed the questionnaires that includes LDR Toxic Positivity scale, Pathak-Wieten Stoicism Ideology Scale and Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale. The gathered numeric data were subjected to SPSS for statistical analysis, where inferential and descriptive analyses were run. Findings reveal significant positive correlations between maladaptive perfectionism, adaptive perfectionism, and elevated toxic positivity, with stoicism stronger predictor of toxic positivity. These results highlight the need to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy expressions of positivity and perfectionism. The study offers important implications for mental health interventions and educational practices tailored to the sociocultural context of Pakistani youth, aiming to promote psychological well-being and authentic emotional engagement. Further longitudinal studies are needed to examine temporal relationships and potential bidirectional effects.