SALT LAKE CITY, UT — For decades, a growing number of parents in the US have adopted a parenting style that emphasizes constant encouragement and positive reinforcement. While supporters say it fosters self-esteem and creativity, others argue that it has contributed to unrealistic self-perception, particularly when it comes to academic and professional performance.
The effects are increasingly visible in workplaces and universities across the country, where employers and professors report a growing difficulty in delivering critical feedback to young adults.
A local magazine publisher in Utah, who asked to remain anonymous, recounted a recent challenge with a newly hired graphic designer…