PsychTests study links ignoring criticism to higher self-esteem and more narcissistic traits

A PsychTests study of 14,000 Self-Esteem Test respondents found that people who tune out negative feedback tend to report slightly better self-esteem, but also more defensive and narcissistic behaviors. The findings suggest that blocking constructive criticism may help mood in the short term while limiting personal growth.

Why it matters: - PsychTests’ findings suggest that tuning out criticism may protect self-esteem in the short term. - The same pattern is tied to weaker self-awareness and more narcissistic tendencies. - The study points to a tradeoff between feeling better and getting better.

What happened: - PsychTests researchers analyzed data from 14,000 people who completed the Self-Esteem Test. - The study compared two groups: “Acclaimers,” who only heed positive feedback, and “Realists,” who consider both positive and negative comments. - The research was released June 30, 2026. - Dr. Ilona Jerabek, PsychTests’ lead researcher and president, said listening only to compliments can boost self-esteem temporarily but cuts people off from personal growth.

The details: - Acclaimers were less likely than Realists to struggle with feelings of worthlessness, 30% versus 32%. - Acclaimers were less likely to see themselves as failures, 25% versus 28%. - 12% of Acclaimers said they do not like themselves, compared with 26% of Realists. - 7% of Acclaimers said they do not feel they deserve love and respect, compared with 14% of Realists. - 32% of Acclaimers said they criticize themselves daily, compared with 48% of Realists. - 22% of Acclaimers had been diagnosed with depression or were getting treatment, compared with 29% of Realists. - 44% of Acclaimers said they point out other people’s mistakes, including minor ones, compared with 14% of Realists. - 38% of Acclaimers said they feel degraded when their mistakes are pointed out, compared with 27% of Realists. - 51% of Acclaimers said they bring up their accomplishments in day-to-day conversations, compared with 10% of Realists. - 36% of Acclaimers said they become angry if their accomplishments are not praised, compared with 14% of Realists. - 52% of Acclaimers said they respond to criticism by listing their good qualities, compared with 5% of Realists. - 47% of Acclaimers said they assume critics are driven by jealousy, compared with 13% of Realists. - 43% of Acclaimers said they do not like admitting they are wrong, compared with 20% of Realists. - 42% of Acclaimers said they feel insulted when their ideas are rejected, compared with 30% of Realists. - 33% of Acclaimers said they modify their personality, opinions or appearance to fit in, compared with 28% of Realists. - 44% of Acclaimers said it is essential to be liked by everyone, compared with 35% of Realists. - 28% of Acclaimers said they get upset when they are not the center of attention, compared with 5% of Realists. - 6% of Acclaimers had been diagnosed with, or were getting treatment for, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, compared with 1% of Realists. - 29% of Acclaimers said they believe they will never amount to anything or do anything significant, compared with 26% of Realists. - Dr. Jerabek said constructive criticism should be treated as useful feedback, while hurtful criticism should be recognized as undermining rather than helpful.

Between the lines: - The study separates praise from feedback that can actually improve performance and behavior. - The data suggest that rejecting all criticism may reduce immediate emotional discomfort but can also reinforce defensiveness. - PsychTests frames constructive criticism as a signal of care and a tool for development, not just a negative judgment.

What's next: - PsychTests is urging people to judge feedback by whether it helps them grow or tears them down. - The company says constructive criticism is the part of feedback most likely to help people become their best selves. - PsychTests AIM Inc. says it continues to develop psychometric assessments and leadership diagnostics for HR professionals, coaches, researchers and organizations worldwide. More information

The bottom line: - Ignoring criticism may make people feel better, but the study suggests it can also make them less open, more defensive and more narcissistic.