You Can Dish It Out, But Can You Take It? PsychTests Releases Study on People's Ability to Handle Constructive Criticism

Montreal, Canada, March 18, 2011 --(PR.com)-- PsychTests.com, one of the web's foremost source of personality, career, and IQ assessments gets a little delicate with their Sensitivity to Criticism Test. Their study results show that while people are generally willing to accept negative feedback without becoming too defensive, there are certain factors that determine why some are more sensitive than others.

Constructive feedback can be a bit of bitter pill to swallow, but with age comes wisdom. Data from PsychTests' study of how people handle criticism reveals that as age increases, sensitivity to criticism decreases. Perhaps we become less concerned about what others think of us or, hopefully, learn how to use negative feedback as a way to learn and grow. Of course, we may also learn, as we age, to filter out the things we just don't like. PsychTests' statistical results also reveal that women are more likely than men to internalize the negative emotions they feel when being criticized, in the form of feelings like guilt, shame, and embarrassment.

"Constructive criticism and criticism in general tend to affect people on three levels," explains Dr. Jerabek, president of the company. "Criticism triggers our cognitions, emotions, and behaviors. When someone offers us negative feedback, we either internalize our reaction and direct our thoughts and emotions inwardly, or re-direct them toward the factor that has caused our reaction in the first place - the critics themselves. Our data show however, that we tend to direct our feelings and thoughts about being criticized more towards ourselves. Essentially, we become our own worst critics. After being criticized, we label ourselves as failures or incompetents, and become discouraged or ashamed. We are also more likely to respond to criticism in passive aggressive ways (purposely ignoring the feedback, slacking off), rather than by lashing out."

Data from PsychTests study of over 3,000 people indicate that people are more likely to feel the impact of negative criticism on an emotional level. In general, however, the majority handle criticism in a professional manner, even if, on the inside, their pride is a little hurt. The ability to take criticism does have its benefits, after all. According to PsychTests, people who handle criticism in a mature manner (by accepting the feedback and striving to use it to improve themselves), are more likely to perform better at work, to have higher self-esteem, and to achieve better grades in school. Interestingly, in terms of grades, PsychTests data show that high-achieving students can be slightly tougher on themselves than those with good or average grades. Once again, they are more likely to internalize negative emotions that arise as a result of being criticized.

"It's important, especially for young people, to not generalize criticism," emphasizes Dr. Jerabek. "A poor grade on a paper or a low performance rating from a boss doesn't translate to 'I am a total failure in life and a useless human being' - even though it may feel that way on the spot. It's all in our perception. The important thing is to remove our ego from the situation, and get down to why we are being criticized. Is there a lesson to be learned? Is there a gap in my knowledge or skills that I could work on? Granted, some people may criticize to be spiteful, and some may lack the diplomatic finesse to serve the criticism without offending, but there's almost always a lesson at the core. Focus on the message, not the messenger."

Those who wish to use the Sensitivity to Criticism Test for HR purposes can go to http://corporate.PsychTests.com/solutions/hr_testing

Those who wish to take the test to assess their ability to handle constructive criticism can go to http://testyourself.PsychTests.com/testid/2129

About PsychTests AIM Inc:
PsychTests AIM Inc. originally appeared on the internet scene in 1996. Since its inception, it has become a pre-eminent provider of psychological assessment products and services to human resource personnel, therapists, academics, researchers and a host of other professionals around the world. PsychTests AIM Inc. staff is comprised of a dedicated team of psychologists, test developers, researchers, statisticians, writers, and artificial intelligence experts. The company's research division, Plumeus Inc., is supported in part by Research and Development Tax Credit awarded by Industry Canada.

Contact:
Ilona Jerabek, Ph.D., President
PsychTests AIM Inc.
http://testyourself.psychtests.com/
1-888-855-6975
ilona@psychtests.com

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