Effect of being constantly asked to justify your actions

[zac510]

Might somebody who is trained in this field be able to explain the psychological effect of being constantly asked to justify your actions?

In this case the media and the legions of F1 followers, talking to an F1 driver.

My first thoughts tell me that it might lead you to become very defensive. You might then lose the ability to apply rational judgement to the question being asked, instead simply offering a standard defensive response that you 'believe' is correct in order to defend yourself and your confidence.

Is this healthy?

[mikee boy]

I think it's healthy to evaluate your own performance so long as you have the temperament to improve on your flaws.

I think a lot of achievers (from whatever sport) stop listening to criticism, possibly because all the good news they get from their advisors will be so much sweeter.

[zac510]

If you've stopped listening then you've put up a defensive barrier infront of any criticism. Part of me doesn't blame them - barrages of criticism from the public and media about every slightest bit of behaviour on the track.

[entropy]

To a large extent its OK.

That sort of thing breeds confidence and winning mentality. When you pull off 'questionable' manoeuvres and don't back down then you're seen as arrogant and selfish as Senna, Massa, Schumacher, Hamilton have discovered.

[fastcaterham]

I think it varies from individual to individual. I remember reading an interview with a past f1 driver can't remember who though who didn't buy any newspapers, went out of his way to avoid sports sections on news etc for fear of hearing or reading critisism of himself. On the other hand Lance Armstrong was well known for reading and remembering all the critisisms against him and then getting his own back on various memebers of the media as well as turning it into a form of motivation.

[german tony]

I think in Lewis' case it'll just toughen him up.

[Cara Van Man]

I'm sure that Lewis hasn't logged onto this forum and seen the crap written about him, even if he did I'd be sure he'd get over it.