PsycHacks Episode 50: Don‘t feel guilty
Oct 13, 2021
Exploring the difference between guilt and contrition for lasting behavioral change, focusing on genuine repentance and the significance of making a heartfelt promise to transform.
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Guilt As Ineffective Expiation
- Guilt often functions as self-punishment that substitutes for solving the underlying problem.
- Dr. Orion Terriban says it removes pain by inflicting a lesser pain about pain.
Guilt Lets You Off The Hook
- Guilt can let you off the hook by substituting self-punishment for real accountability.
- That pattern often allows repeated offenses because the underlying issue remains unaddressed.
Choose Contrition Over Guilt
- Strive to feel contrition rather than just guilty by fully acknowledging the harm you caused.
- Make concrete commitments to change after you emotionally experience the consequences, not as a quick fix.