The psychology of criticism is primarily concerned with: the motivation or intent which people have for making criticisms, good or bad. the effect which it has on other people, good or bad.
We criticize because we somehow feel devalued by the behavior or attitude. Critical people tend to be easily insulted and especially in need of ego defense. Critical people were often criticized in early childhood by caretakers, siblings, or peers, at an age when criticism can be especially painful.
In psychology, criticizing is linked with ego-protection, which means that people criticize others because of a perceived personal weakness. I might criticize someone's house because of my exaggerated concerns and worries about my own feelings about being successful.
Projecting their insecurities
Overly critical people criticize others to validate their own insecurities and to reaffirm the negative perception they have of themselves (and the world).
Some common synonyms of hypercritical are captious, carping, censorious, critical, and faultfinding. While all these words mean "inclined to look for and point out faults and defects," hypercritical suggests a tendency to judge by unreasonably strict standards. hypercritical disparagement of other people's work.
Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by avoiding social situations or interactions that involve risk of rejection, criticism, or humiliation. People with avoidant personality disorder are afraid of being rejected, criticized, or embarrassed and thus avoid situations where they may experience such reactions.
A narcissist may react aggressively to criticism in an effort to avoid re-experiencing the loneliness they suffered in the past. In response to criticism, a narcissist may also take great pains to devalue or invalidate the person criticizing them.
Unfortunately, this can happen in the workplace, and it's called “destructive criticism.” It's a type of criticism that's intended to harm, undermine, or even destroy someone's creation, reputation, or self-esteem. It's when someone chews you out, mercilessly rips apart your idea, or publicly denigrates your abilities.
Extreme sensitivity to criticism
People with avoidant personality disorder are very sensitive to anything critical, disapproving, or mocking because they constantly think about being criticized or rejected by others. They are vigilant for any sign of a negative response to them.
Moreover, they are quick to falsely and malevolently criticize others, often actual experts, to create an illusion that they know what they are talking about. Narcissists can be very convincing and it may be confusing who the real expert is for bystanders.
Never Respond Immediately
Step back, cool down and try to reason. Think about the criticism when you're in a good mood. When you're relaxed, your mind thinks better. Calm thinking will help you understand what the criticism meant, and it will help you make better decisions.
Judging and criticizing others can also give the illusion of control. That is, if you are able to tell someone what's wrong with them, you not only think you see more than they do, you might also imagine that your criticism will cause them to change their ways.
“Thin-skinned”. Definition: sensitive to criticism or insults.
When we spend too much of our emotional energies on trying to make someone else feel inadequate, we become emotionally drained and unhealthy. This creates more problems in any relationship than it solves. Another reason why criticism is toxic is because it allows people to live vicariously through us.
Researchers believed some individuals were more sensitive to criticism than others due to a cognitive bias that led them to interpret ambiguous information negatively, rather than in a neutral or positive manner.
Narcissistic rage occurs when a narcissist's beliefs about their perceived importance or grandiosity are confronted. In turn, they respond with extreme anger toward the perceived threat. Whether narcissistic rage results from criticism, losing control, or minor setbacks, being on the receiving end can be terrifying.
A narcissist is likely to be enraged when they begin to lose control. They may lash out at you, go on a smear campaign, or purposefully ignore you. They may also lovebomb you to reel you back in. Their main goal is to get your attention, provoke a response, and regain power.
Extreme sensitivity to criticism
People with avoidant personality disorder are very sensitive to anything critical, disapproving, or mocking because they constantly think about being criticized or rejected by others. They are vigilant for any sign of a negative response to them.