8 Differences between constructive and destructive criticism

On many occasions, people can see behaviors in others that, according to our subjective and personal criteria, could correct or even change, since these behaviors produce certain negative effects in the same person, in others or in the around. 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 life experience in relation to these two types of action.

In the following Psychology-Online article you will find 8 Differences between constructive criticism and destructive, in an attempt to encourage the use of constructive criticism as an effective tool in promoting personal change for the benefit of all.

Index

1. What is constructive criticism
2. What is destructive criticism
3. How to differentiate constructive from destructive criticism

As the word itself indicates, constructive criticism is that

• See the person's behavioral error.
• Consider all the aspects involved: personality of the person involved, environment, specific situation, resources available and to which they can opt, etc.
• Based on all the aspects considered, offer an alternative response that benefits the person himself and his environment.

constructive criticism are intended to reduce or eliminate misconduct and push for a new response that removes the ill effects of the old one and creates something new and good for everyone. These criticisms are always made in a respectful manner, making use of the assertive communication and with the final intention of strengthening and promoting the personal growth of the person.

Generally, this type of criticism They are performed 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.

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 done with a clear intention to 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 visions of life, the authoritarian and with rigid mental schemes, the impulsive and with maladaptive behaviors or antisocial etc People raised in this type of family, as long as they do not rebel against it, will tend to make destructive criticisms.
• personal life story: certain childhood injuries (abuse, negligence, abandonment...) or certain later negative experiences of the same type will cause an internal pain in the person that, if not correctly addressing the problem and overcoming it, will cause the person to be unable to develop constructive criticism, which is based on full joy, gratitude and trust in life

In this article we explain How to break mental patterns.

Based on what was discussed in the two previous sections, below we will describe the most outstanding aspects that differentiate both types of criticism as follows:

• constructive criticism strengthens and motivatesin the face of destructive criticism, which weakens and demotivates to the person.
• constructive criticism improve the environment. Destructive criticism, on the other hand, strengthens the harmful effects, makes them worse or creates others.
• Constructive criticism is based on a optimistic look at problems and of life. Destructive criticism is based on a negative look, rigid and depressing life.
• Constructive criticism is made by people with high growth rates and personal development. Destructive criticism arises from people with personal immaturity.
• constructive criticism drives. destructive criticism paralyzes.
• constructive criticism is practical and effective. destructive criticism not usually useful in most cases.
• constructive criticism cheers and unites people. destructive criticism face and separate.
• constructive criticism build life. destructive criticism destroy life created.

At a social level, it will be important to promote education in the personal realization of constructive criticism in the family and educational spheres to promote from childhood. This will allow us to help each other to correct our mistakes, becoming strong pillars on which to build effective, supportive, happy 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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