Recent research on shame and guilt

Abstract

In previous studies, emotions of shame and guilt were considered to be similar; however, recent empirical studies show that they are clearly different. In other words, shame is maladaptive whereas guilt is adaptive. In this paper, the author reviews recent studies on shame and guilt. The paper includes characteristics and functions of shame and guilt, measurement methods, antecedent factors such situation and cognition, and cross-cultural research. In addition, the future applications of studies on shame and guilt are discussed from the following two perspectives. The first is moral education, which is based on the assumption that anticipated shame and guilt deter deviant behavior. The second is humiliation. Recent findings employing clinical studies indicate that shame is linked to narcissism and domestic violence. Humiliation has been discussed as a theme relevant to shame and violence, and is important in interpersonal relationships and social problems. Therefore, further studies regarding humiliation are suggested.View full abstract