The Inside Job

Why Criticism Can Be Better Than Uncertainty

By Liz Wolgemuth

Posted: November 25, 2008

In a recent study, University of Toronto psychologists measured the responses of neurotic individuals to negative feedback and to uncertain feedback. Guess which caused them more stress?

The researchers found there was more brain activity in response to uncertainty than in response to criticism in an area of the brain associated with conflict-related anxiety.

From ScienceDaily: "The results of this study have important implications for human behavior, as they suggest that some individuals, namely those high in Neuroticism, 'prefer the devil they know over the devil they do not know.'"

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The Inside Job

The Inside Job

You're taking a break from your job-hunting and job-hopping ways and have decided to stay put in your current position. Liz Wolgemuth’s careers blog will show you how to make the very best of your job, each day.

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