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.

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.”

• 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.

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

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

• Use the SBI Model (Situation–Behavior–Impact)
• Focus on actions, not personality
• Offer support alongside critique
• Create a respectful, non-punitive tone

• 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.”

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