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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). Praise can be regarded as positive reinforcement, social reinforcement and verbal reinforcement.

Psychology of praise[]

Most people are responsive to praise and will increase in self-esteem or confidence if a suitable amount of praise is received. Some psychological theories hold that a person's life is comprised largely 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[1] or schizoid personality disorder.[How to reference and link to summary or text]

Using praise with children[]

Common advice is that praise should not be given to children without reason[2][3].

  • Reward the attainment of specifed goals, not just participation, of the child.
  • Ensure praise being given to the child is deserved.
  • Praise progress is in relation to an individuals past progress, NOT compared with others.
  • Teachers should NOT praise uninvolved students for not disrupting the class.

See also[]

  • Commendation ceremony

References[]

  1. Kasari C, Sigman MD, Baumgartner P, Stipek DJ (1993). Pride and mastery in children with autism. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 34 (3): 353–62.
  2. Can Adults Praise Children Too Much?, Ellen R. Delisio in Education World, 2000, accessed 23 December 2008
  3. Praise and encouragement, Raising Children Network, accessed 23 December 2008


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