Criticism

11.8.2010

• Criticism is the judgement (using analysis and evaluation) of the merits and faults of the actions or work of another individual. Criticism can mean merely to evaluate without necessarily finding fault; however, usually the word implies the expression of disapproval.

The psychology of criticism

• Criticism and narcissists

• Vulnerability with their own  self-esteem makes individuals with narcissistic personality disorder very sensitive to criticism or defeat.

• Criticism and paranoids

• Individuals with paranoid personality disorder are often rigid, critical of others, although they have great difficulty accepting criticism themselves.

• Criticism and avoidants

• Individuals with avoidant personality disorder are hypersensitive to criticism or rejection. They build up a defensive shell.

• Criticism and dependents

• Individuals with dependent personality disorder are readily willing to "self-correct" in response to criticism.

• Constructive criticism, or constructive analysis, is a compassionate attitude towards the person qualified for criticism. 

• Hypercriticism is a feature of certain personality types and is colloquially known as nitpicking or nagging. Nitpicking is minute, trivial, unnecessary, and unjustified criticism or faultfinding.

• Hypocriticism is criticism by somebody (a hypocrite) who criticizes another but does the same as the person they are criticizing.

• Self-criticism (or auto-critique) refers to the pointing out of things critical/important to one's own beliefs, thoughts, actions, behaviour or results; it can form part of private, personal reflection or a group discussion.