Mia Zhang
Excessive adulation, while seemingly harmless or even beneficial at first glance, can create a skewed perception of one’s self-worth and abilities.
It’s essential to understand that the praise we shower on children needs to be balanced and constructive to foster healthy emotional development.
Next, we’ll delve into the nine specific traits that people who were overly praised as children tend to develop later in life.
This list will shed light on the potential repercussions of over-praise and offer insight into the complexities of its long-term effects.
Stay tuned as we explore this fascinating topic and provide insights to help you understand or perhaps navigate your personal growth journey better.
1) Inflated sense of entitlement
This occurs when children, showered with unwarranted praise, start believing they are superior to their peers.
This belief can carry over into adulthood, causing them to assume they are entitled to privileges or treatment not afforded to others.
This inflated sense of entitlement can manifest in various ways, such as expecting automatic compliance with their expectations or perceiving themselves as deserving of special treatment.
This trait can strain relationships and create difficulties in professional settings where cooperation and mutual respect are crucial.
2) Aversion to criticism
Another trait that overly praised children often develop into adulthood is an aversion to criticism. Used to constant praise, any form of criticism or feedback can be seen as a personal attack or rejection.
They may become defensive or dismissive when faced with critique, as it clashes with their inflated self-perception.
This aversion can hinder personal growth and development. Constructive criticism is vital for improvement and learning, especially in a professional setting.
However, those who were excessively praised often lack resilience in the face of criticism and may struggle to accept it as an opportunity for growth.
3) Dependency on external validation
Overpraised children often grow into adults who are heavily reliant on external validation.
The excess of praise they received in their formative years can condition them to seek constant affirmation from others to feel worthy or successful.
This dependency can lead to a constant need for approval, and their self-esteem may heavily rely on other people’s opinions.
These individuals may find it hard to make decisions independently, continually seeking reassurance from others.
They might also struggle with self-confidence, as their self-worth is externally sourced.
4) Difficulty dealing with failure
Overly praised children often struggle to deal with failure as adults. Accustomed to constant validation, they may view any form of failure or setback as a direct reflection of their worth.
This perception can lead to a fear of failure, and in extreme cases, can result in perfectionism or avoidance of risks.
The fear of failure can become a significant obstacle in their personal and professional growth.
It may deter them from stepping out of their comfort zones or taking up new challenges, limiting their potential to learn and grow.
5) Unrealistic expectations of oneself
They may believe that they should excel in every endeavor, mirroring the abundant praise they received in their childhood.
This belief can set them up for disappointment and unnecessary stress as they continually strive to meet these high, often unattainable standards.
These unrealistic expectations can lead to chronic dissatisfaction with their own performance and accomplishments, no matter how significant.
The constant striving for perfection can also result in burnout and may lead to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
6) Tendency to avoid responsibility
Accustomed to praise without accountability, they may struggle with the concept of consequences and personal responsibility.
This avoidance can manifest in their unwillingness to admit mistakes or take ownership for their actions.
This trait can be detrimental in both personal and professional scenarios where accountability is crucial.
It can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings with peers or superiors, and hinder their ability to grow and learn from their actions.
7) Difficulty forming genuine, balanced relationships
Overpraised children may face challenges in forming genuine, balanced relationships as adults.
Their inflated sense of self-worth and entitlement can create an imbalance in relationships. They may expect constant validation and praise from their partners, friends, or colleagues, leading to one-sided relationships.
These individuals might struggle to understand and respect the needs and boundaries of others, due to their focus on self-affirmation.
This lack of understanding can lead to conflicts and might make it difficult for them to maintain long-term relationships.
8) Propensity for being overly competitive
Individuals who received excessive praise during their childhood often develop a propensity for being overly competitive in adulthood.
Accustomed to being heralded as the best, they may feel a constant need to outperform others to maintain that status.
This competitiveness extends beyond healthy ambition, leading to unnecessary stress and potential conflicts with peers.
An overly competitive mindset may hinder their ability to collaborate effectively and foster positive relationships in professional or personal settings. It can also lead to disappointment and self-criticism when they do not come out on top.
9) Struggle with accepting their limitations
Having been raised on a pedestal, they may find it difficult to acknowledge that they, like everyone else, have limitations and areas of weakness.
This inability to accept their shortcomings can hinder their personal growth, as recognizing and working on our weaknesses is a crucial part of self-improvement.
This struggle can also lead to feelings of inadequacy when they inevitably encounter situations that highlight their limitations.
Instead of viewing these moments as opportunities for growth, they may interpret them as failures, further denting their self-esteem.
Moving forward: Embracing growth and change
Recognizing these traits in oneself is the first step towards personal growth.
The insights gained from understanding how overpraising in childhood impacts adulthood can guide individuals towards self-awareness and positive change.
It’s crucial to remember that these traits are not permanent characteristics, but patterns that can be altered with conscious effort.
The journey towards change involves acknowledging one’s limitations, accepting criticism as constructive feedback, and fostering a healthy sense of self-worth not solely dependent on external validation.
It’s about understanding that failure is not a reflection of one’s worth, but an opportunity for growth.
Adopting a growth-focused mindset can help individuals overcome the challenges posed by these traits.
Seeking professional help like therapy or counseling can also be beneficial in navigating this path towards self-improvement.
It’s never too late to start this journey of self-discovery and growth.
