Shame and resilience: A New Zealand based exploration of resilient responses to shame

Abstract

Shame can be a powerful and evocative experience. It can contribute to the development of mental illnesses, such as depressive, anxiety, and eating disorders. Shame can also contribute to social problems, such as violent crime. However, shame is experienced by almost everyone, and not everyone experiences such long-lasting negative effects. This chapter explores responses to shame, with an emphasis on resilience. We address the key question of why and how some people are devastated by shame, while others become resilient in the face of shame. Our research was conducted in New Zealand, and the findings represent the experiences of a selection of Pākehā New Zealanders.