Extrapunitive

/ˌɛkstrəˈpjunɪtɪv/ adjective

Definition

Directed outward in blame or punishment; tending to blame external circumstances or other people rather than oneself when experiencing frustration or failure.

Etymology

From Latin 'extra' (outside) + 'punitivus' (from 'punire', to punish). A psychology term contrasting with 'intropunitive' (self-blaming).

Kelly Says

Psychologists identified three response types to frustration: extrapunitive (blame others), intropunitive (blame yourself), and impunitive (blame nobody)—understanding which you are reveals how you handle conflict and stress.

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