Shame: Definition, Causes, and TipsWhat is shame and why is it such a difficult negative emotion to deal with? Here, we'll talk about the science of shame to help you understand where it comes from and how to feel less ashamed.
*This page may include affiliate links; that means I earn from qualifying purchases of products.
What Is Shame? (Shame Definition)Shame is defined as a self-conscious emotion arising from the sense that something is fundamentally wrong about oneself. With shame, we often feel inadequate and full of self-doubt, yet these experiences may be outside of our conscious awareness. That makes shame hard to identify and label.
For these reasons, the experience of shame has been linked to depression as well as a variety of other negative emotions including anger, suspiciousness, inferiority, helplessness, and self-consciousness (Goss, Gilbert, & Allan, 1994). Those who tend to experience more shame may also have more interpersonal anxiety and more submissive responses to their anger (Lewis, 2004). The opposite of shame is often thought to be confidence, shamelessness, or having no shame. The two types of shame Shame can be described as a momentary experience that occurs in response to an event. This is referred to as 'state shame' because we are currently in a state of shame, or we are temporarily experiencing shame as a result of some circumstance. Another type of shame involves a long-term experience that some of us have. This is referred to as 'trait shame' because it acts like a personality trait, or something we carry with us wherever we go. Are You a Therapist, Coach, or Wellness Entrepreneur?
Grab Our Free eBook to Learn How to
|
Are You a Therapist, Coach, or Wellness Entrepreneur?
Grab Our Free eBook to Learn How to Grow Your Wellness Business Fast! |