What aspect of personality may be demonstrated by someone who is indifferent to praise or criticism?

The demonstration of indifference to praise or criticism is a hallmark characteristic associated with Schizoid Personality Disorder. Individuals with this disorder often display a pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression in interpersonal settings. This detachment leads to a lack of interest in social interactions, resulting in a diminished response to the reactions of others—be it praise or criticism.

People with Schizoid Personality Disorder typically prefer solitary activities and may appear aloof or indifferent to social engagement, which aligns with the concept of being unresponsive to external validation or disapproval. Their emotional responses are often muted, further contributing to their appearance of indifference.

In contrast, the other personality disorders listed each involve different engagement levels with social feedback. For example, individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder often experience intense emotions and have a strong desire for validation, while those with Narcissistic Personality Disorder seek admiration and may react negatively to criticism. Individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder may demonstrate disregard for societal rules and the feelings of others but may still react to praise or criticism based on how it affects their goals. Thus, indifference to external input particularly aligns with the characteristics of Schizoid Personality Disorder.