Praise
Encyclopedia
Praise is the act of making positive statements about a person, object or idea, either in public or privately. Praise is typically, but not exclusively, earned relative to achievement and accomplishment. Praise is often contrasted with criticism
, where the latter is held to mean exclusively negative statements made about something, although this is not technically correct (see also Blame
).
or confidence if a suitable amount of praise is received. Some psychological theories hold that a person's life is largely made up of attempts to win praise for their actions. However, some people are less affected by or even averse to praise, for example people with autism
or schizoid personality disorder
. See motivation
In modern Christianity, praise is a key part of most services along with intercession
, confession
, Bible readings, thanksgiving
and communion
. In the Holy Bible, many of the Psalms are hymns of praise, while Jesus includes praise in the Lord's Prayer
that he teaches to his disciples (captured in the phrase "hallowed be thy name").
Criticism
Criticism is the judgement of the merits and faults of the work or actions of an individual or group by another . To criticize does not necessarily imply to find fault, but the word is often taken to mean the simple expression of an objection against prejudice, or a disapproval.Another meaning of...
, where the latter is held to mean exclusively negative statements made about something, although this is not technically correct (see also Blame
Blame
Blame is the act of censuring, holding responsible, making negative statements about an individual or group that their action or actions are socially or morally irresponsible, the opposite of praise. When someone is morally responsible for doing something wrong their action is blameworthy...
).
Praise and psychology
Most people are responsive to praise and will demonstrate an increase in self-esteemSelf-esteem
Self-esteem is a term in psychology to reflect a person's overall evaluation or appraisal of his or her own worth. Self-esteem encompasses beliefs and emotions such as triumph, despair, pride and shame: some would distinguish how 'the self-concept is what we think about the self; self-esteem, the...
or confidence if a suitable amount of praise is received. Some psychological theories hold that a person's life is largely made up of attempts to win praise for their actions. However, some people are less affected by or even averse to praise, for example people with autism
Autism
Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a child is three years old. Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their...
or schizoid personality disorder
Schizoid personality disorder
Schizoid personality disorder is a personality disorder characterized by a lack of interest in social relationships, a tendency towards a solitary lifestyle, secretiveness, emotional coldness, and sometimes apathy, with a simultaneous rich, elaborate, and exclusively internal fantasy world...
. See motivation
Motivation
Motivation is the driving force by which humans achieve their goals. Motivation is said to be intrinsic or extrinsic. The term is generally used for humans but it can also be used to describe the causes for animal behavior as well. This article refers to human motivation...
Praise and religion
In modern Christianity, praise is a key part of most services along with intercession
Intercession
Intercession is the act of interceding between two parties. In both Christian and Islamic religious usage, it is a prayer to God on behalf of others....
, confession
Confession
This article is for the religious practice of confessing one's sins.Confession is the acknowledgment of sin or wrongs...
, Bible readings, thanksgiving
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day is a holiday celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada. Thanksgiving is celebrated each year on the second Monday of October in Canada and on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. In Canada, Thanksgiving falls on the same day as Columbus Day in the...
and communion
Communion (Christian)
The term communion is derived from Latin communio . The corresponding term in Greek is κοινωνία, which is often translated as "fellowship". In Christianity, the basic meaning of the term communion is an especially close relationship of Christians, as individuals or as a Church, with God and with...
. In the Holy Bible, many of the Psalms are hymns of praise, while Jesus includes praise in the Lord's Prayer
Lord's Prayer
The Lord's Prayer is a central prayer in Christianity. In the New Testament of the Christian Bible, it appears in two forms: in the Gospel of Matthew as part of the discourse on ostentation in the Sermon on the Mount, and in the Gospel of Luke, which records Jesus being approached by "one of his...
that he teaches to his disciples (captured in the phrase "hallowed be thy name").