On many occasions, people can see behaviors in others that, according to our subjective and personal criteria, they could correct or even change, since these behaviors produce certain negative effects on the same person, on others or on the environment. The criticism we make of people can be constructive or destructive. The use of one type of criticism or another will depend, mainly, on certain aspects of our personality and, on the other hand, on our life experience in relation to these two types of action.
In the following Psychology-Online article you will see the differences between constructive criticism and destructivein an attempt to encourage the use of constructive criticism as an effective tool in promoting personal change for the benefit of all.
What is constructive criticism
As the word itself indicates, constructive criticism is that criticism from which “it is built” something new and good. Carrying out constructive criticism means:
- See the person’s behavioral error.
- Consider all the aspects involved: personality of the person involved, environment, specific situation, resources available to them and those they can choose from, etc.
- Based on all the aspects considered, offer an alternative response that benefits the person themselves and their environment.
Constructive criticism are intended to reduce or eliminate erroneous behavior and promote a new response that eliminates the harmful effects of the previous one and generates something new and good for everyone. These criticisms are always done in a respectful manner, using the and with the ultimate intention of strengthening and promoting the person’s personal growth.
Generally, this type of criticism They are carried out by people with a certain degree of personal maturity whose outlook on life is optimistic and whose personal life experience has shown them that it is precisely this type of criticism that truly encourages people to change.
What is destructive criticism
Destructive criticism is corrections that internally “destroy” the person to which they are directed. This type of criticism is carried out impulsively, without filters, disrespectfully and, although on many occasions it can occur with little awareness of the damage caused, sometimes it can also be carried out with a clear intention to offend.
Most of the population tends to make destructive criticism because, in general, we have not been educated in issuing constructive criticism. Two other aspects that influence the issuance of destructive criticism are:
- family patterns: There are certain family patterns whose characteristics mainly encourage destructive criticism, among them are those based on dramatic and depressive views of life, authoritarian ones with rigid mental schemes, impulsive ones with maladaptive or antisocial behaviors, etc. People raised in this type of family, as long as they do not rebel against it, will tend to make destructive criticism.
- Personal life story: certain childhood wounds (abuse, neglect, abandonment…) or certain subsequent negative experiences of the same type will cause the person internal pain that, if the problem is not correctly addressed and overcome, will cause the person’s inability to develop criticism. constructive, which are based on complete joy, gratitude and confidence in life
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How to differentiate constructive criticism from destructive criticism
Based on what was discussed in the two previous sections, below, we show you the differences between constructive criticism and destructive
- Internal effects: Constructive criticism strengthens, motivates and drives, compared to destructive criticism, which weakens, demotivates and paralyzes the person. In fact, constructive criticism builds life. Destructive criticism destroys created life.
- External effects: constructive criticism improves the environment, that is, it brings joy and unites people. On the contrary, destructive criticism confronts and separates, that is, it strengthens harmful effects, worsens them or creates others.
- Origin: Constructive criticism is based on one of life’s problems. Destructive criticism is based on a negative, rigid and depressing view of life.
- Profile of those who criticize: Constructive criticism is carried out by people with high degrees of personal growth and development. Destructive criticism arises from people with personal immaturity.
- Utility: Constructive criticism is practical and effective. Destructive criticism is not usually helpful in most cases.
At a social level, it is important to promote education to make good constructive criticism in family and educational settings from childhood. This will allow us to help each other correct our mistakes and create strong pillars on which to build effective, supportive, joyful and constructive societies in themselves.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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