Criticism: The HOT Response

The HOT (Aggressive) Response to Another's Criticism

Aggressive or "HOT" responses to criticism typically involve a variety of defensive responses, like arguing and denying. They may include loss of temper control, too. Aggressive responses include:

Looking HOT

Threatening demeanor involves:

1. Head up.
2. Glaring stare, too much eye contact.
3. Tense posture, clenched fists, tight muscles.
4. Angry facial expression.

Thinking HOT

"Other-blaming Perceiving Style" with statements like:

1. "It's all their fault."
2. "If I'm calm, they won't listen to me."
3. "If I don't fight back, they'll criticize me more."
4. "Others will think I'm a sissy if I don't fight back.
5. "They'll think I'm worthless if I don't fight back."

Acting HOT

Behavior that attacks, belittles, subjects, controls or defeats someone, such as:

1. Argue or deny.
2. Criticize back.
3. Yell or make hostile remarks, using intimidating behavior.
4. Quit participating as a form of punishment.

Drawbacks of the HOT (Aggressive) Response

Drawbacks of aggressive responses to criticism include:

• Not doing what others want
• Receiving more criticism
• Feelings of anger at self and others and
• Punishment from authority figures.

The HOT response may produce temporary satisfaction as stress is released. But, this short-term satisfaction is "short-lived" and is counterproductive to reaching the long-term goal.