PRAISE


 

PRAISE

Praise is approval or admiration for something or someone. Also praise is used for the approval of the achievements or characteristics of a person or thing. I  can say my  parents always praised me when I did well at university. Or he was highly praised for his research on dementia disease. Or to  congratulate  someone, praise that person and say that we are pleased for her and his success he accomplished. We can also say that he or she passed the exam successfully. We can also use compliment like praise someone who done great job. And we can say like “ I complimenting such and such person for preparing good coffee for us.  The word commend is effective word. It can use the police commended her for her bravely. And pay tribute is also a useable word, we can say the aid worker distribute foods to the needy in proper way. The flatter is also  use  like “ he flattering me because he wanted to borrow some  money.

 

In today’s world, where stress and anxiety seem to be a constant presence, people are constantly seeking ways to find solace and peace. One powerful avenue for finding spiritual solace is through praise songs in worship. These uplifting melodies have been used for centuries to enhance the spiritual experience and connect individuals with a higher power. In this article, we will explore the significance of praise songs in worship and how they can truly transform one’s spiritual journey  .Although the majority of early research on the influences of praise focused on behavior implications, more recent investigations have highlighted important implications in other domains. Praise may have cognitive influences on an individual, by attracting attention to the self, or by conveying information about the values and expectations of the praise recipient.

 

The   effective praise (i.e., praise that is welcomed or accepted by the recipient) may also have positive emotional effects by generating a positive affective state (e.g., happiness, joy, pride). Praise is also thought to convey that one has surpassed a noteworthy evaluative standard, and if the recipient of the praise is likely to experience a sense of pleasure stemming from a positive self-perception. Contrastingly, praise may create negative emotional consequences if it appears disingenuous or manipulative. Alternative views of the effects of praise on motivation exist. In one camp, praise is thought to decrease intrinsic motivation by increasing the presence of external control. However, praise has also been argued to define standards and expectations, which in turn may motivate an individual to exert effort to meet those standards. Lastly, praise may serve to influence interpersonal relations. For example, strong pressures to reciprocate praise have been found. It is thought that the mutual praise may serve to increase attraction and strengthen the interpersonal relationship, and this process may underlie the use of praise in.

 

In the studies mentioned above, person-oriented praise was found to be less beneficial than process-oriented praise, but this is not always found to be the case. Particularly, effort-oriented praise may be detrimental when given during tasks that are exceptionally easy. This may be especially apparent for older children as they see effort and ability to be inversely related and thus an overemphasis on effort may suggest a lack of ability . Following a failure, the person-praised students displayed less task persistence, task enjoyment, and displayed worse task performance than those praised for effort. These findings are in line with personal theories of achievement striving, in which in the face of failure, performance tends to improve when individuals make attributions to a lack of effort, but worsen when they attribute their failure to a lack of ability.

In the studies mentioned above, person-oriented praise was found to be less beneficial than process-oriented praise, though this is not always the case. Specifically, effort-oriented praise may be counterproductive when given during very easy tasks. This may be especially true for older children, who often perceive effort and ability as inversely related. In such cases, too much focus on effort may imply a lack of ability.

Following a failure, students who received person-focused praise showed less task persistence and enjoyment, and performed worse than those praised for effort. These findings align with personal theories of achievement, which suggest that after failure, performance improves when individuals attribute it to a lack of effort, but worsens when they believe it stems from a lack of ability.

Summary of Praise-Related Words:

·         Praise

·         Congratulate

·         Compliment

·         Commend

·         Pay tribute

·         Flatter

Why Should Praise Be Given?

There are many reasons to regularly give praise. People who feel appreciated and respected are typically more motivated and engaged in their work. They're also more committed to their teams and organizations because they know their contributions matter.

This is especially important in organizations where budgets are tight and financial rewards aren't always possible.

Sincere praise fosters good working relationships. Colleagues who feel appreciated are often more willing to help and share useful information.

Interestingly, praise also triggers a chemical reaction in our brains. Studies show that when we hear something positive, dopamine is released — a neurotransmitter associated with joy, pride, satisfaction, and well-being.

So, when you praise someone, not only does it make them feel great, but it also motivates them to maintain or repeat that behavior. Praise reinforces good habits — emotionally and mentally.

How to Give Extraordinary Praise

While praise is important, overdoing it can reduce its impact and make your sincerity questionable. Here are some effective strategies for giving meaningful praise:

1. Be Precise
Generic praise like “Nice job!” is fine, but specific praise makes more impact.
Try: “Your thoroughness on that report really helped the day go more smoothly. Thank you.”

2. Praise Regularly
Consistent, sincere praise reinforces desired behaviors — especially if you’re a manager guiding a new team.

3. Show Praise Through Actions
Praise doesn’t always need to be verbal. For example, ask a valued employee to mentor someone new or lead a project — showing that you trust and respect their abilities.

4. Match Praise to Personality
Some people enjoy public recognition; others prefer private appreciation. Tailor your praise to the individual’s preferences.

5. Extend Praise Broadly
Don’t just praise high achievers — recognize quieter team members too. A little appreciation might be all they need to thrive.

Reward as a Sign of Positive Behavior

A reward reinforces good behavior. It’s a way of saying "well done" after someone acts positively or performs well. A reward could be a treat, a fun activity, or extra privileges — like letting your child choose dinner for keeping their room tidy.

Encouragement: Praise for Effort

Encouragement: is a form of praise focused on effort.
For example: “You worked hard on your math homework — well done.”
Encouragement can motivate children (or anyone) and inspire them to keep trying.

You can also offer encouragement before a task:
“I know you’re nervous about the test, but you studied hard. No matter the result, you’ve done your best.”

Some children, especially those who are less confident, need more encouragement than others. When praise is focused on effort, they are more likely to see trying hard as valuable in itself. They’re also more likely to keep trying and to remain optimistic when they face challenges.

A Joyful Recounting

Praise can be a joyful and boisterous way to share what God has done for us.

A Way to Exercise Faith

Praise can be a way to exercise faith in God's character, even when you are facing challenges.

A Way to Express Gratitude

Praise can be a way to thank God for what He has done, is doing, and will do.

Some Examples of Praise Include:

Factors That Affect Influence

Contrastingly: for preschool-age children, process praise enhanced post-failure motivation more than person praise, though both were better than neutral feedback. Some suggest that younger children do not experience the negative effects of certain types of praise because they do not yet make complex causal attributions and are more literal in their interpretations of adult speech.

Gender

The function of praise on child behavior and motivation has also been found to vary by gender. Some researchers have shown that females are more susceptible to the negative effects of certain types of praise (e.g., person-oriented praise, or praise that limits autonomy). For example, one study found that girls were more negatively influenced by praise that diminished perceived autonomy. It also found that process praise was more beneficial to motivation than person praise—but only for girls. This difference was observed in older children, not in preschool-aged children.

Others have found young girls to be more negatively influenced by adult evaluations in general. Some suggest this gender difference may be due to girls more often attributing failure to a lack of ability rather than a lack of motivation or effort. These differences may also reflect normative socialization practices, where dependence and interpersonal relationships are emphasized for girls, but achievement and independence are emphasized for boys.

Culture

Culture has been referred to as a "blind spot" in the praise literature. Yet, there is reason to believe cultural differences affect the impact of praise. Much of the discussion on culture and praise has focused on the contrast between independent and interdependent cultures.

In short, independent cultures—common in Western societies—generally value and promote individualism and autonomy. In contrast, interdependent cultures emphasize connectedness and harmony in interpersonal relationships.

Through this cultural lens, clear differences emerge in how praise is used and perceived. Compared to the United States, praise is rarely used in countries like China and Japan, where it may be considered harmful to a child’s character. In interdependent cultures, individuals are typically motivated by self-improvement rather than external approval.

 

Praise as an Act of Faith

It is incumbent upon us to be thankful to the Lord of the universe. Praise is the joyful recounting of what God has done for us. Praise and thanksgiving go hand in hand—we thank God and offer appreciation for who He is. Praise acknowledges the wonderful and righteous deeds of God. He is worthy of all praise.

Praise involves having faith in God's character even when we are facing difficulties. It is when we choose to focus on and believe in Him that our faith is exercised. And it is faith alone that pleases God and moves Him to action in our lives—both personally and collectively.

  • Love for God
  • Joy over who He is and what He’s done in redemption
  • Gladness to sing with His people
  • A desire to point others to the Almighty
  • Governed by the fruits of the Spirit

“Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become restless and disturbed within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.”

Praise in Islam

By thanking Allah, the Creator of all things, one lifts prayers to God. Muslims—as well as non-Muslims—use the expression of thanks in various languages. All thanks are due purely to Allah (God) alone, not to any objects worshipped in place of Him, nor to any of His creations. These thanks are due to Allah’s innumerable favors and bounties, the extent of which only He knows.

Allah’s bounties include the ability to follow His commands, the provision of sustenance, and the ease and comfort granted in life—none of which anyone or anything compelled Him to give. Allah also warned His creation and showed them the ways to attain eternal happiness in the afterlife. All thanks and praise are due to Allah, from beginning to end.

“Alhamdulillah” is an Arabic phrase meaning “Praise be to God,” sometimes translated as “Thank God” or “Thanks be to the Lord of the Universe.”

Alhamdulillah may express gratitude to God for any gift—whether the gift of life, success, health, or strength. Muslims (and others) use this term in all situations, not just when things go well. Why? Because even in hardship, it could always be worse.

We say “Alhamdulillah” for the situation Allah (SWT) has placed us in, because He knows best.

When Do We Say Alhamdulillah?

  • As a statement of gratitude to God for any gift, big or small.
  • During prayer, as a way to lift our thanks to the Creator.
  • In trials or difficulties, recognizing that all situations are created by God.

“Alhamdulillah!” I got an A in chemistry!

Our success and victories are not our own. We owe everything in our lives to Allah (SWT). Alhamdulillah. If we are rich, it is because Allah willed it. If we are poor—Alhamdulillah—that too is His will. If you are grateful, Allah will be pleased with you.

We also say “Alhamdulillah” after sneezing. Do you know why? When you sneeze, the intrathoracic pressure in your body temporarily increases, reducing blood flow to the heart. The heart then adjusts its rhythm to compensate. Although the electrical activity of the heart does not stop, it momentarily shifts. So, we say Alhamdulillah for our good health (UAMS Health).

 

 

 

Comments