Person Praise
Praise aimed at what a person is, such as being clever or a natural, in place of what was done.
What it is
In two role-play studies of 67 and 64 children, Kamins and Dweck found that person-focused feedback, whether praise or criticism, was followed by weaker responses to setbacks, including more self-blame, than process-focused feedback.
In effect
The article on praising effort and praising talent uses it as the feedback aimed at the person.
What it does not say
The studies used role-play with children, and the findings concern feedback aimed at the person, whether praise or criticism. They do not say that praise of ability always does harm.
Sources
- Kamins, M. L., & Dweck, C. S. (1999). Person versus process praise and criticism: Implications for contingent self-worth and coping. Developmental Psychology, 35(3), 835-847.