"Negative caresses" are a psychological concept that refers to the interactions or comments we receive from others and that, despite being wrapped in a layer of apparent affection or positivity, actually have a negative impact in our self-esteem, emotions or psychological well-being. These negative caresses can be subtle or direct, intentional or unintentional, and their effect can be profound and lasting on our mental health.
Origin and Concept of \\\\ "Negative Strokes"
The term "negative strokes" was coined by psychotherapist Eric Berne in his book "Games We Play" in the 1960s. Berne developed the theory of Analysis Transactional, in which he identified different types of human interactions based on verbal and non-verbal communications. In this theoretical framework, "caresses" represent the social interactions we receive from others, whether verbal or non-verbal, which can have a positive or negative impact on our self-esteem and personal development.
Characteristics of Negative Caresses
Negative caresses usually have certain characteristics that differentiate them from neutral or positive comments or interactions. Some of these characteristics include:
- Confusion: Negative caresses often cause confusion in the person receiving them, as they can come wrapped in a tone or context that It appears to be positive, but whose underlying message is critical or hurtful.
- Double meaning: Many times, negative caresses contain a double meaning or irony that can hurt the feelings of the person. recipient person.
- Emotional impact: Unlike direct criticism, negative caresses usually impact the person emotionally in a more subtle but equally profound way, affecting their self-esteem and perception of herself.
Manifestations of Negative Caresses
Negative caresses can manifest themselves in different contexts, both in the personal and professional spheres. Some common examples of negative touching include:
- Sarcastic comments: Phrases or comments that, although they may sound joking, contain implicit criticism or judgment that damages self-esteem. of the receiving person.
- Comparisons: Making comparisons between one person and another, directly or veiled, can be a form of negative caress that generates insecurity and emotional discomfort.
- Hidden devaluation: Praise that is followed by criticism or devaluing comment can be a form of negative caress that undermines the self-confidence of the recipient.
Psychological Impact of Negative Touches
The impact of negative touch on a person's mental health can be significant and long-lasting. Some of the psychological effects of constantly receiving negative touch include:
- Low self-esteem: Negative touch can undermine self-confidence and cause a feeling of inferiority. or inadequacy.
- Stress and anxiety: Continuous exposure to negative caresses can generate a state of anxiety and chronic stress in the recipient, affecting their emotional well-being.
- Depression: In more severe cases, repeated negative touching can contribute to the development of mood disorders, such as depression, due to the negative impact on self-image and self-worth.
- Relationship difficulties: People who constantly receive negative touch may experience difficulties establishing and maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships, as their self-confidence and communication skills are affected.
Addressing Negative Touches
Identifying and addressing the negative touch we receive is essential to preserving our mental health and emotional well-being. Some strategies for dealing with negative touches include:
- Self-awareness: Being aware of how certain comments or interactions make us feel helps us identify negative touches and set healthy boundaries. .
- Assertive communication: Expressing clearly and respectfully how certain comments or behaviors make us feel can help establish limits with people who inadvertently emit negative caresses.
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- Seek support: Sharing our experiences with a therapist or loved one can help us process and manage the effects of negative touch on our emotional life.
- Personal work:Carrying out activities or therapies that promote self-care and strengthening self-esteem can be beneficial to counteract the effects of negative caresses.
Conclusions
In conclusion, negative touch represents a real and significant psychological phenomenon that can negatively impact our mental health and emotional well-being. Identifying, understanding and addressing the negative touch we receive is essential to preserving our self-esteem and promoting healthy interpersonal relationships. By becoming aware of how these negative interactions affect us, we can strengthen our ability to set limits, communicate assertively, and take care of our mental health in a world full of social stimuli that can hurt us without us realizing it.