DiscoverCommunication Psychology and HR – with Gerhard OhrbandWhen Positive Comments Have Negative Consequences
When Positive Comments Have Negative Consequences

When Positive Comments Have Negative Consequences

Update: 2025-10-06
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Praise can be a powerful tool formotivation, but did you know it can also have unintended consequences? Whetherit's making someone more vulnerable to future challenges or even backfiring ina conversation, the way we offer praise matters. In both personal andprofessional settings, it's essential to consider how and why we give feedback.

#CommunicationPsychology #Feedback#Motivation #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #GrowthMindset #WorkplaceCulture#PsychologyInBusiness

References

Brehm, J. W.,& Brehm, S. S. (1981). Psychologicalreactance: A theory of freedom and control.Academic Press.

Müller, C. M., & Dweck, C. S.(1999). Praise and personality: Implications for the development ofcompetence and motivation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,77(4), 868-879. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.77.4.868

Schulz von Thun, F. (2008). Miteinander reden von A bis Z: DiePsychologie der Kommunikation (1st ed.). RowohltTaschenbuch Verlag.

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When Positive Comments Have Negative Consequences

When Positive Comments Have Negative Consequences

Gerhard Ohrband, MA in Psychology (University of Hamburg/Germany)