When does self-criticism become harmful? Psychologist explains
Psychologist Maha Al-Qahtani explains how excessive self-criticism can hinder personal growth and outlines its roots and psychological impact.
Key Takeaways
AIMaha Al-Qahtani, who holds a master's degree in psychology, explained that self-criticism involves repeatedly blaming oneself for a mistake, rather than simply learning from it and moving on to correct it. She noted that this differs from healthy self-accountability, which recognizes a mistake as an opportunity to learn and avoid repeating it.
Speaking in a television interview on "Sabah Al-Saudia," Al-Qahtani said that self-criticism often begins in childhood, especially when parents constantly compare their children to relatives in terms of academic performance or general success. She emphasized that such comparisons can have a lasting impact, leaving children with fragile personalities over time.
Al-Qahtani stressed that the most serious effect of excessive self-criticism on mental health is an overemphasis on mistakes, neglecting personal strengths, and avoiding new experiences out of fear of failure and blame.
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