Defensiveness [Neurosurgery Wiki]

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====== Defensiveness ======

**Defensiveness** is a psychological and behavioral reaction triggered by perceived criticism, blame, or threat. In clinical settings like neurosurgery, it often emerges during feedback, evaluation, or high-pressure situations, and can hinder learning, teamwork, and safety.

===== 🔹 Definition =====

Defensiveness involves:
  * Rejecting or minimizing feedback
  * Justifying one's actions instead of listening
  * Shifting blame or becoming argumentative
  * Emotional withdrawal or visible discomfort

> ''“Defensiveness is the instinct to protect the ego, even when the intellect knows better.”''

===== 🔹 Examples in Neurosurgical Context =====

  * A resident interrupts feedback with:  
    ''“But that’s not how I usually do it…”''

  * A scrub nurse responds to a suggestion with:  
    ''“I didn’t make a mistake—the instruments were miscounted.”''

  * A consultant becomes visibly irritated when a junior questions a surgical plan.

===== 🔹 Root Causes =====

  * Fear of failure or shame
  * High-pressure or judgmental environments
  * Poor past experiences with feedback
  * Lack of psychological safety
  * Cultural or hierarchical barriers

===== 🔹 Consequences =====

  * Obstructed feedback loops
  * Breakdown of team communication
  * Lost opportunities for reflection and improvement
  * Erosion of trust

===== 🔹 Strategies to Reduce Defensiveness =====

=== ✅ As Feedback Giver ===
  * Use the [[sbi_model|SBI Model (Situation–Behavior–Impact)]]  
  * Focus on actions, not personality  
  * Offer support alongside critique  
  * Create a respectful, non-punitive tone  

=== ✅ As Feedback Receiver ===
  * Pause before responding  
  * Ask clarifying questions: ''“Can you help me understand how that impacted the team?”''  
  * Reflect before reacting  
  * Acknowledge the feedback: ''“I see your point—I’ll work on that.”''

===== 🔹 Quote =====

> “Defensiveness blocks feedback. Openness transforms it into growth.”