Self-criticism and self-enhancement : theory, research, and clinical implications / edited by Edward C. Chang.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Chang, Edward C. (Edward Chin-Ho)

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Criticism, Personal.

Self-perception.

Physical Description:

xvi, 291 pages : illustrations ; 26 cm

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Washington, DC : American Psychological Association, [2008]

Summary:

In recent years, we have witnessed a proliferation of writing on "positive psychology" that focuses on variables such as optimism, personal control, self-esteem, and personal striving. At the same time, much of recent pop psychology has emphasized the importance of overcoming different forms of self-criticism, including poor self-esteem and perfectionism. These positive or negative variables clearly influence the quality of our lives. But is self-criticism always a bad thing, and is self-enhancement really so unequivocally good? What are the costs and benefits associated with each?In "Self-Criticism and Self-Enhancement: Theory, Research, and Clinical Implications", editor Edward C. Chang has enlisted over 25 distinguished psychologists and scholars who present the pros and cons of regarding self-criticism or self-enhancement as either "good" or "bad." Collectively, they illustrate the benefits of evaluating these concepts more complexly to demonstrate how negative and positive psychological variables may function as a virtue in one situation and as a vice in another situation. Drawing on the works of both philosophers and researchers, the contributors search for a deeper and broader understanding of these fundamental psychological concepts, and they evaluate their effect on individuals and the larger society.

Contents:

Self-enhancement as good, self-criticism as bad

Self-criticism as good, self-enhancement as bad

Self-criticism and self-enhancement as both good and bad

Clinical implications of self-enhancement and self-criticism.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

ISBN:

9781433801150

1433801159

OCLC:

123485334