Psychology of Criticism

Psychology of criticism

Firstly , it is important to understand the concept of criticism. It can be verbal, expressed bu verbs or non- verbal, when it is expressed with the help of some kind of behavior or action. Criticism can be from one person to another when point of view, opinion is criticized, or it can be impersonal when some organization, company's policies or views are criticized.  

In the privacy of our hearts, there are only two possible ways to receive criticism: badly or worse. What is criticism? Criticism is the practice of judging the value and faults of something or someone in an intelligible or articulate way.

To criticize does not always means "to find fault", but the word is often taken to mean the simple expression of an objection against harm, or a disapproval. Often criticism involves active disagreement, but it may only mean "taking sides". It could just be an exploration of the different sides of an issue.

Criticism can be used everywhere these days: At home, public places and even in your workplace. People like criticizing each other at work, like one colleague another or senior specialist some junior one. Often we learn to ice over those injured feelings with a smile. And in the space between that private wince and the public smile there is something to be gained. It's called professional growth—if you can get yourself there.

Criticism at home is one of the those that hurts best. Sometimes we rudely criticize our room mates or family members when there is no point of doing that, and later apologize or regret for that. Rude and spontaneous criticism can cause domestic argument, quarrel, disappointment, discomfort. We have to be very careful about the words we use to criticize our partner or a flatmate.

What concerns criticism it is often presented as something unpleasant, but it needs not be. It could be friendly criticism, friendly discussed, and some people find great pleasure in criticism ("keeping people sharp", "providing the critical edge"). Friendly criticism helps to develop personality in several ways: it can result in gaining more knowledge, being more careful, avoiding bad habits, changing life style, improving behavior and manners.

Another meaning of criticism is the study, evaluation, and interpretation of literature, art work, film, and social trends (see the article links below). The goal of this type of criticism is to understand the possible meanings of cultural phenomena, and the context in which they take shape. In doing so, the attempt is often made to evaluate how cultural productions relate to other cultural productions, and what their place is within a particular genre, or a particular cultural tradition.

All in all criticism can cause harm as well as good things. Criticism can hurt or offend people. Getting negative feedback never feels good, but you can learn to use it to your own advantage. Besides, it's usually a sign that you're moving forward, moving up and gaining something valuable.

References

http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200607/criticism-taking-the-hit

http://www.psychoid.net/an-overview-of-criticisms-of-psychology.html