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.
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Complex Emotions
- Shame and guilt are complex, self-conscious emotions requiring a developed sense of self.
- They differ from basic emotions like fear, anger, or joy, which appear earlier in life and don't involve self-evaluation.
Shame vs. Guilt
- Shame and guilt are often used interchangeably, but research suggests a key distinction.
- The difference lies not in who knows about the action but in whether the focus is on the behavior (guilt) or the self (shame).
Impact of Shame and Guilt
- Shame focuses on a flawed self ("I'm bad"), leading to hiding and defensiveness.
- Guilt focuses on the bad behavior ("I did bad"), motivating amends and future change.
