This book reports on the growing body of knowledge on these key
self-conscious emotions, integrating findings from the authors' original
research program with other data emerging from clinical, social, personality
and developmental psychology.Shame and guilt have captured the attention of scholars and clinicians for
generations, but have only recently begun to be subjected to systematic
empirical scrutiny. This book reports on the growing body of knowledge on these
key self-conscious emotions, integrating findings from the authors' original
research program with other data emerging from clinical, social, personality,
and developmental psychology. The authors demonstrate that shame and guilt have
significant-and surprisingly disparate-implications for many aspects of human
functioning, with particular relevance for interpersonal relationships. The
book examines such compelling topics as the varying levels of empathy shown by
"shame-prone" and "guilt-prone" individuals; links to anger, hostility, and
aggression; and effects of shame and guilt on psychological adaptation and
moral behavior. Clinical applications of the research are discussed in depth,
as are methodological and assessment issues; developmental considerations; and
implications for parenting, education, and social policy.
