Self-berating
Self-berating is the act of harshly criticizing oneself; engaging in self-reproach, typically for perceived failures, mistakes, or shortcomings. It involves dwelling on one's flaws, often with excessive negativity and a lack of compassion. It's a form of self-punishment through internal dialogue, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, inadequacy, and a diminished sense of self-worth. It can manifest as a constant inner monologue filled with negative judgments and self-condemnation, and is a common trait in individuals struggling with low self-esteem, perfectionism, or mental health issues.
Self-berating meaning with examples
- After missing the crucial penalty, the soccer player engaged in intense self-berating, replaying the moment in his mind and verbally tearing himself down. He spent the rest of the night locked in his room, consumed by feelings of failure. He felt that this single moment defined his worth as a player, completely dismissing the achievements of his career.
- Despite excelling in her presentation, the student subjected herself to self-berating, focusing only on a minor stammer she perceived. She obsessed over the small mistake, letting it overshadow the positive feedback and accomplishments. This self-inflicted criticism continued even after the presentation had successfully concluded.
- Following a disagreement with a friend, the individual engaged in self-berating, believing he was completely at fault and rehashing every perceived flaw in his behavior. He found himself dwelling on perceived inadequacies, even when his friend assured him of their shared responsibility in the situation. His perspective was overwhelmingly negative.
- Upon receiving a critical email from her boss, the employee spiraled into self-berating, interpreting the feedback as a personal attack on her competence. She allowed the criticisms to fester, regardless of their objectivity. This led to a loss of motivation and productivity, as she struggled to shake off the self-deprecating thoughts.
