Why Do We Do That?
#053 - Shame & Guilt with Dr. June Tangney
Jun 3, 2024
Dr. June Tangney, an expert in moral emotions and a professor at George Mason University, delves into the intricate worlds of shame and guilt. She distinguishes between these two powerful emotions, explaining how guilt can be constructive, while shame often proves damaging. Cultural variations influence the experience of these feelings, particularly regarding expectations around punctuality. Tangney discusses survivor guilt and offers effective coping strategies, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and verbalizing emotions for personal growth.
51:54
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Quick takeaways
- Understanding the distinction between guilt and shame is crucial, as guilt encourages corrective action while shame often leads to self-deprecation.
- Cultural backgrounds significantly influence how individuals experience shame and guilt, impacting emotional responses and mental health across different societies.
Deep dives
Understanding Shame and Guilt
Shame and guilt are complex emotions often categorized as negative emotions that arise from a failure to meet personal or societal standards. Both emotions require a developed sense of self and consciousness, with shame focusing on the self and guilt centering on specific actions. The podcast highlights the critical distinction between the two: shame makes individuals feel like a bad person due to their behavior, while guilt allows them to focus on fixing the behavior itself. This distinction is essential, as guilt can prompt reparative actions, whereas shame tends to lead to defensiveness and self-deprecation.
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