Meta, I grew up in a situation much like you describe, never receiving positive feedback or encouragement, and always criticism and even humiliation. (A counselor once asked me a few years ago how I EVER managed to accomplish as much as I have!) Anyway, going on to study art, one of the primary aspects of this study is critique on a regular basis. When I was young, attending undergrad from '68 to '72, I was regularly crushed by critiques, which often seemed more personal than professional. That was before instructors were given evaluations by students, by the way, and brought to mind by Want2fly's post here. Some very unprofessional behavior went on during my time in undergraduate study, and would not be tolerated today. Now, as I'm much older (56), and once again finally finding the courage to attend grad school in Art, the opportunity to evaluate and critique my professors is there. I always evaluate them with objectivity, and I truly believe that this has created an atmosphere of more professionalism among them (unlike when I was younger!). At the same time, Wants2fly!!!, I also see some immature undergrads taking this as their opportunity to seek revenge. That's too bad. I hope this is not the case with you, Wants2fly.
Criticism, either objective or personal, used to make me so ill I had to go to bed, sometimes for days. Now, I look at it as just one person's opinion., and objectively. If I can learn and improve from it, I DO, but if it is biased and unfair, I assess it that way also and dismiss it.
Patty