Steven Lares 8-28-13

AP Psychology Summer Work Jj\ 0~

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Winch, G. (2013). Why $<tme&.oPle@te~eceiving c&mpliments: How Self-Esteem
Influences Our Capacity 't6 Receive Praise. Psychology Today. Retrieved from:
http://www.psychologytoday.comlblog/the-squeaky-wheeV201308/why-some-people-hllte-
receiving -compliments
Summary: This article explains why people with low self esteem aremore likely to respond to
compliments with both disdain and discomfort. It makes the conclusion that this particular group
of people tend to prefer anegative situation than apositive one. The article mentions of astudy
that was conducted with college students. The results conclude that students with low self esteem
aremore likely to keep their roommates even if they are viewed negatively by them. This is
supported by the author's inference that those with low self-esteem aremore likely to ignore
praise if it does not agree with their current seIf-view.
Also, self esteem issues can extend to relationships. The author of this article mentions that when
someone with low self esteem receives acompliment fromtheir partner, they are more likely to
become distant. This may be because they feel that they have amoral obligation to their partner
after receiving the compliment. As aresult, theperson may feel like he/she is being intimidated
into meeting their partner's high expectations. Due to this behavior, the relationship may become
flawed as aresult.
Critique: When reading this article, I noticed that the author mentioned real studies used to
support his claim. However, the article did not mention the name of the college being studied nor
did it include the results. This criticism also holds true for the studies conducted between
relationship partners. This article would have had the validity of its claims proven further if the
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