The Process of Self-Criticism: A Phenomenological Study

Psychological and Physiological Effects of the Mindful Lovingkindness Compassion Program on Highly Self-Critical University Students in South Korea

“…Self-criticism (SC) is a self-evaluative process that involves negative thoughts about various aspects of the self (e.g., appearance, personality, behavior, intelligence, performance, and so forth) ( Blatt, 1974 ; Gilbert and Procter, 2006 ). Individuals who engage in SC have a punitive stance toward the self when their inner expectations and standards are not met ( Blatt and Zuroff, 1992 ; Cho et al, 2019 ). On the other hand, SC has an adaptive function, for example, monitoring and correcting one’s mistakes via SC leads to better performance ( Gilbert et al, 2004 ).…”

“…Therefore, this shows that individuals with high levels of SC are hostile to the self and perceive the self as inadequate and as an object of hatred. Therefore, they treat themselves harshly and apply rigid standards to themselves ( Cho et al, 2019 ). In addition, these self-attacking processes are highly fused with shame that, when associated with SC, increases their vulnerability to a range of difficulties ( Gilbert and Irons, 2004 , 2009 ).…”

“…In addition, these self-attacking processes are highly fused with shame that, when associated with SC, increases their vulnerability to a range of difficulties ( Gilbert and Irons, 2004 , 2009 ). Second, previous studies have indicated that SC could be a habitual and unconscious response that occurs when self-critical schemas are triggered ( Rahamim et al, 2016 ; Cho et al, 2019 ). Verplanken et al (2007) have suggested that the difficulties in controlling self-critical thoughts predict future psychopathology ( Verplanken et al, 2007 ).…”

“…However, CFT may be limited in engaging in the second feature of SC, which is an automatic process of SC. As previously mentioned, SC is a type of mental habit in which people subconsciously blame themselves ( Verplanken et al, 2007 ; Cho et al, 2019 ). Therefore, being aware of the contents and the process of SC and bringing one’s attention to the here and now are required when people criticize themselves.…”