The Two Devils

The Levels of Self-Criticism Scale, (Thompson and Zuroff), measures the two types of self-criticism: comparative and internalized.

Comparative self-criticism involves comparing to others & finding one’s self to be lacking. Self-critical people in this way often tend to base their self-esteem on perceptions of the way others feel about them and may view other individuals as superior, critical, and/or hostile.

Internalized self-criticism, may involve the feeling one cannot possibly live up to personal ideals or standards or the belief that one is deficient in some way. Even success is failure.