Academic PressureAcademic Pressure & PerfectionismClear Thinking & Decision MakingDr. Margolies' Commentary on News ArticlesFollowing Your ValuesHelping Teens Do WellHelping Teens SucceedHidden Culprits of Failed ProgressInfluencing People ConstructivelyParenting ChallengesPopular Psychology TopicsTeens & Young AdultsThe Teenage MindsetUnderstanding Executive Functions & ADHDUnintended Effects of Popular AdviceUnlocking PotentialWhat Impacts Executive Functions?

The Paths to Progress for Our Graduates

Dr. Lynn Margolies
Perfectionism in teens is rising with pressure to succeed. Learn how parental expectations impact mental health and shape success beyond high school.
The New York Times [View Article]
A blue graduation cap with a yellow character clinging to its tassel against a pink background.
Dr. Lynn Margolies

by Dr. Lynn Margolies

Dr. Lynn Margolies is a Ph.D. licensed experienced psychologist. She was trained at McLean Hospital, a Harvard teaching hospital, and was a Harvard Medical School Instructor and Fellow. Read Bio

Similar Topics

Academic PressureAcademic Pressure & PerfectionismClear Thinking & Decision MakingDr. Margolies' Commentary on News ArticlesFollowing Your ValuesHelping Teens Do WellHelping Teens SucceedHidden Culprits of Failed ProgressInfluencing People ConstructivelyParenting ChallengesPopular Psychology TopicsTeens & Young AdultsThe Teenage MindsetUnderstanding Executive Functions & ADHDUnintended Effects of Popular AdviceUnlocking PotentialWhat Impacts Executive Functions?

See Related Articles

A woman in a blue suit and pink sunglasses poses confidently, pointing at herself on stage. Academic Performance & PressureAcademic Pressure & PerfectionismAnxiety & Insecurity in ParentsApproaching Difficult TopicsAssertiveness & BoundariesBoundariesConnecting with TeensCultivating Women’s StrengthsDifficult ConversationsDr. Margolies' Commentary on News ArticlesDreaded ConversationsEarning RespectFamily IssuesFamily Issues in AdulthoodFinding your VoiceGuilt & Anxiety in ParentsHelping Teens Do WellHelping Teens SucceedHidden Assertiveness Issues in MenHidden Culprits of Failed ProgressInfluencing People ConstructivelyInterpersonal BoundariesLaunching Your College Age (or Failure to Launch) ChildLimit SettingLimit Setting for ParentsLimits & BoundariesManaging Problem BehaviorMisguided Efforts that Impede ProgressParenting ChallengesPerfectionism in High Achieving TeensPopular Psychology TopicsPositive Influences on PerformancePsychologically SpeakingRejection Sensitivity in ParentsRelationship IssuesSetting Limits With Manipulative PeopleTalking With TeensTeens & Young AdultsThe Cost of Being Overly AccommodatingThe Danger of Perfectionism in TeensThe Problem With AppeasementUnintended Effects of Popular AdviceUnlocking PotentialWhat Your Words (& Actions) RevealWomen’s Issues The Psychology of Narcissism Versus Healthy Self-Esteem

The Psychology of Narcissism Versus Healthy Self-Esteem

Too much praise can nurture imposters and narcissists.
Dr. Lynn Margolies
Dr. Lynn MargoliesOctober 7, 2026
A frustrated young woman gestures while a man raises his hand, blocking her. Tension is evident between them. Academic Pressure & PerfectionismAffairs & FantasyApproaching Difficult TopicsAssertiveness & BoundariesBoundariesBreaking Self-Defeating PatternsClear Thinking & Decision MakingConnecting with TeensDifficult ConversationsDisguised (& Overt) HostilityDr. Margolies' Commentary on News ArticlesDreaded ConversationsEmotional Contagion in FamiliesFamily IssuesFollowing Your ValuesGetting Teens to Talk (and Listen)Guilt & Anxiety in ParentsHelping Teens Do WellHelping Teens SucceedHolding on & Letting GoInfidelity & AffairsInfluencing People ConstructivelyInterpersonal BoundariesLaunching Your College Age (or Failure to Launch) ChildLeading A Double LifeLimits & BoundariesMarital & In-law IssuesMisguided Efforts that Impede ProgressParenting ChallengesParenting in DivorcePopular Psychology TopicsPositive Influences on PerformanceProactive VS Reactive ParentingPsychologically SpeakingRebellion & DefianceRejection Sensitivity in ParentsRelationship DynamicsRelationship IssuesRepairing Broken RelationshipsRewiring Your HabitsSetting Limits With Manipulative PeopleShame, Guilt, & Out of Control BehaviorTeens & Young AdultsTemptation, Fantasy, & SecretsThe Art of PersuasionThe Cost of Self-BetrayalThe Teenage MindsetUnintended Effects of Popular AdviceUnlocking PotentialWhat Your Words (& Actions) RevealWhen Parents Split UpWomen & TraumaWomen’s Issues The Hidden Dynamics of Defiance and How to Disarm It

The Hidden Dynamics of Defiance and How to Disarm It

How to avoid psychological traps with people who repeat the same solvable issue.
Dr. Lynn Margolies
Dr. Lynn MargoliesJuly 15, 2026
A man smiles at his phone while a woman looks at him with concern from behind. Affairs & FantasyAnger IssuesAssertiveness & BoundariesAttraction & RomanceBoundariesClear Thinking & Decision MakingCouples IssuesCouples TherapyDifficult ConversationsDivorceDr. Margolies' Commentary on News ArticlesDreaded ConversationsEarning RespectFamily IssuesFollowing Your ValuesHidden Assertiveness Issues in MenHolding on & Letting GoInfidelityInfluencing People ConstructivelyInterpersonal BoundariesLeading A Double LifeMarital & In-law IssuesMoving Beyond Self-SubordinationPopular Psychology TopicsPsychologically SpeakingRebellion & DefianceRelationship DynamicsRelationship IssuesRepairing Broken RelationshipsRewiring Your HabitsSetting Limits With Manipulative PeopleTemptation, Fantasy, & SecretsThe Art of PersuasionThe Cost of Being Overly AccommodatingThe Cost of Self-BetrayalThe Problem With AppeasementUnintended Effects of Popular AdviceWhat Your Words (& Actions) RevealWomen’s Issues How to End an Affair: Examples Tell All

How to End an Affair: Examples Tell All

The phrases and behaviors that secretly perpetuate an affair.
Dr. Lynn Margolies
Dr. Lynn MargoliesApril 29, 2026