There is nothing that more permanently impairs a child's lifelong effectiveness than destructive criticism by parents.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Destructive criticism by parents is helpful
• D. It depends

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is how harmful feedback from parents shapes a child’s long-term motivation and performance. Destructive criticism is personal, harsh, and focused on flaws rather than on concrete steps to improve. This kind of feedback erodes a child’s belief in their own abilities (self-efficacy) and fosters a fixed mindset, where effort and growth feel futile if perfection isn’t immediately reached. Over time, that can dampen courage to try new things, increase anxiety and fear of failure, and reduce persistence—patterns that strongly influence lifelong effectiveness in sport, school, and beyond. When feedback stays constructive—specific, task-focused, and accompanied by guidance to improve—these damaging effects are avoided. The statement reflects the idea that destructive parental criticism can have enduring, substantial negative impacts, whereas the other options either downplay or mischaracterize its influence.