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PubMedDate not supplied

Guilt and depression: a cross-cultural comparative study.

Although nearly a century has passed since Kraepelin's investigations in Java [Cbl Nervenheilk Psychiatr 1904; 27:468-469], one crucial question regarding guilt in the course of depression has still not been decided: Is there a more or less stable connection independent of culture, or is guilt confined to certain civilisations? This study investigated this issue in 100 Pakistani and 100 Austrian out-patients diagnosed with 'major depression' according to DSM-IV by means of standardised instruments (Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Life Time Version, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, 21-item version). The experiences of guilt were subdivided into ethical feelings (ethical anxiety and feelings of guilt) and delusions of guilt. It turned out that ethical feelings could be found in both cultures regardless of age and sex. They seem to be primarily related to the extent of depressive retardation. However, the distribution of the two subsets of ethical feelings was culture dependent. Delusions of guilt were confined to patients of the Austrian sample. So, our data qualify the exclusivity of the aforementioned two points of view and support the need for a psychopathologically differentiated approach.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Anger and guilt about ingroup advantage explain the willingness for political action.

Three studies examined non-Aboriginal Australians' guilt and anger about their ingroup's advantage over structurally disadvantaged Aborigines. Study 1 showed that participants who perceived their ingroup as relatively advantaged perceived this inequality as unfair and felt guilt and anger about it. Anger, and to a lesser degree guilt, predicted the willingness to engage in political action regarding ingroup advantage. Study 2 showed both guilt and anger to be relatively self-focused because both were associated with appraising the ingroup's (rather than the government's) discrimination as responsible for ingroup advantage. Study 3 examined on participants especially willing to engage in political action to bring about systemic compensation to Aborigines. Anger about ingroup advantage was a potent predictor. Although guilt was associated with the abstract goal of systemic compensation, guilt did not explain willingness for political action. Results underline the importance of examining specific group-based emotions in intergroup relations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Self-conscious emotions and depression: rumination explains why shame but not guilt is maladaptive.

Feelings of shame and guilt are factors associated with depression. However, studies simultaneously investigating shame and guilt suggest that only shame has a strong unique effect, although it is not yet clear which psychological processes cause shame and not shame-free guilt to be related to depression. The authors hypothesized that shame, in contrast to guilt, elicits rumination, which then leads to depression. Therefore, in this study we investigated event-related shame and guilt, event-related rumination, and depression among 149 mothers and fathers following family breakup due to marital separation. Data were analyzed using latent variable modeling. The results confirm that shame but not guilt has a strong unique effect on depression. Moreover, the results show that the effect of shame is substantially mediated by rumination. The results are discussed against the background of self-discrepancies and self-esteem.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2002

Shame and guilt in child sexual offenders.

In this article, the authors build on previous discussions of the possible role of shame and guilt in sexual offending. They review the general psychological literature on shame and guilt and conclude that the distinction between internal and external shame is an important one in considering sexual offenders. The effects of shame and guilt on victim empathy and relapse are discussed, and it is proposed that the phenomena of shame and guilt have implications for treatment beyond those identified in previous studies. Shame is a salient feature in the initial presentation of many sexual offenders against children. Furthermore, aspects of the treatment of sexual offenders can be characterized as a shift from shame toward guilt. Implications of shame and guilt for treatment of sexual offenders are described.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Posttraumatic shame and guilt.

Posttraumatic shame and guilt are important dimensions of posttraumatic syndromes, including simple and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The concepts of posttraumatic shame and guilt have received little theoretical or empirical investigation in the field of traumatology. It is proposed that there are acute and prolonged states of posttraumatic shame and guilt that can be compared in their consequences across eight psychosocial dimensions: (a) self-attribution processes, (b) emotional states and capacity for affect regulation, (c) appraisal and interpretation of actions, (d) the impact of states of shame and guilt on personal identity, (e) suicidality, (f) defensive patterns, (g) proneness to psychopathology and PTSD, and (h) the dimensions of the self-structure adversely affected by states of posttraumatic shame and guilt. The experience of posttraumatic states of shame and guilt are associated with compounded affective processes in PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders.

Guilt↗
PubMed1975

Stereotyped sex role behavior and sex guilt.

A study of self-reported sex guilt and sex behavior in college students closely replicated previous findings. In addition, it was found that high guilt subjects were more likely to act in conformity with social expectations regarding sexual behavior. That is, high guilt males were more likely to be assertive in their sexual behaviors than low guilt males, and high guilt females were more likely to engage in passive sexual behaviors than low guilt females. Assertion was defined as acting upon another, and passivity was defined as being acted upon.

Aggression↗
PubMed2002

Aspects of guilt and self-reported substance use in adolescence.

The use of addictive substances is undergoing moralization in American society-behaviors once viewed as personal preferences now carry moral significance. Research has shown that sociomoral emotions like guilt, thought to be reflective of one's internalized standards and societal mores, can be an important influence on behavior. The present study explored the relationship between college students' self-reports of adolescent substance use (cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana) and scores on indices tapping different aspects of guilt (Standards, Situational, and Chronic Guilt). Participants were 230 undergraduate students (mean age = 19; 55 percent female; 69 percent White). Substance users had lower scores on Standards and Situational Guilt than non-users, but no difference was observed in Chronic Guilt. The present results suggest that a stronger internalization of societal standards, as reflected by higher scores on Standards and Situational Guilt, may prove a useful tool in the prevention of substance use.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

[Structure of guilt eliciting situations in Japanese adolescents].

The aim of the present study was to specify guilt eliciting situations for Japanese adolescents, and examine the relationship between guilt-proneness in the situations and personality traits. With an open-ended questionnaire, 315 guilt experiences were collected and categorized into 37 situations. Situational Guilt Inventory (SGI) for the 37 was developed and administered to 500 Japanese adolescents. Factor analysis found four factors: hurting others, inconsiderate to others, acting selfishly, and debt feeling toward others. SGI scores had positive correlations with private and public self-consciousness and depression. However, correlations with the Big Five were low, none higher than .2, except those with conscientiousness. The factors were similar to those of Dimension of Conscience Questionnaire (DCQ; Gore & Harvey, 1995) and Situational Guilt Scale (SGS; Klass, 1987), except that they do not have the fourth: debt feeling. These results showed some characteristics of guilt among Japanese people, as well as reliability of the inventory.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Shame and guilt and their relationship to positive expectations and anger expressiveness.

College students (174 females, 91 males) completed measures of shame, guilt, expectations for future success, and styles of anger expression. Significant gender differences were found in proneness for both shame and guilt, with young women exhibiting a greater propensity for shame and guilt than young men. For both females and males, however, shame-proneness was positively related to expressions of inward anger. Among males and females, guilt-proness was negatively related to outward anger, but positively related to anger control. For females, guilt-proness was also negatively related to expectations for future success. Multiple regression analyses indicated that for male and female late adolescents, the best positive predictor of shame-proneness was inward anger. Gender differences emerged in predicting guilt-proneness; greater anger control, lower outward anger, and lower expectations for future success significantly predicted this variable among females.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

[Guilt and freedom--psychiatric-psychotherapeutic and anthropologic aspects].

Guilt, freedom and responsibility are part of the personal dignity of man. The history of the conception of guilt, its modern relativations, different phenomena of guilt, and pathological guilt experience as well as ways of relief from guilt are discussed. The contemporary juridical debate on the conceptions of guilt and freedom, and problems in the judgement of criminal responsibility are described. In conclusion, the author asks for inquires as to the importance of the faculty to feel guilty and the readiness for atonement in psychotherapy and resocialization.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1994

[Considerations on the guilt feelings towards mother and maternal separation using the Japanese keywords "sumu-akirameru" and "sumanai"].

In this paper, I use the Japanese keywords "Sumanai" and "Sumu-Akirameru" to discuss the guilt feelings towards mother and maternal separation. "Sumanai" is an everyday Japanese expression signifying both a regretful apology and an obsessive compulsive feeling. The Japanese frequently say "Sumanai" to express their guilt feeling towards a dependent object. Clinical observation has shown me that "Sumanai" implies not only pathological guilt but also a more healthy contrite feeling, two sides of "Sumanai" which correspond to the persecutory guilt and depressive guilt described by L. Grinberg. In therapy, patients passing through the depressive position experience a kind of protective harmonious space. This experience of space associated with object loss is similar to potential space (D.W. Winnicott) or philobatism (M. Balint), and can be expressed by the Japanese term "Sumu-Akirameru". "Sumu" means clean, pure and "to take root". "Akirameru" means both "to abandon" and "to see calmly". "Sumanai" is the negative of "Sumu" and its pathological guilt feeling implies a sense of impurity. I have discovered close resemblances between "Sumu-Akirameru" and philobatism (M. Balint): 1) both are observed in the therapeutic depressive position; 2) both have an affinity for friendly expanses while simultaneously tending to avoid the external object; 3) both have a visual attribute and insight; 4) both have the special qualities of "submerging in" and "taking root", allowing patients to awaken their sense of self in this protective harmonious space; 5) both imply that the time is ripe for psychological change; 6) both involve a kind of complexity constituted of a regressive element and adaptability contrary to reality. As described above, "Sumu-Akirameru" as a psychotherapeutic phenomenon has many universal characteristics. On the other hand, there are several differences between "Sumu-Akirameru" and philobatism, differences deeply rooted in Japanese culture: 1) "Sumu-Akirameru" implies cleanliness and beauty, lacking in philobatism. It is well-known that these qualities of cleanliness and beauty form the essence of the traditional Japanese religion (Shintoism); 2) Japanese patients passing through the depressive position often experience merging with the natural scenery, and it is said that traditional Japanese culture is deeply influenced by animism or nature worship; 3) Japanese patients experience "Sumu-Akirameru" as a sitting image, whereas Western patients experience philobatism as a standing image. The Japanese may associate this sitting image with the Buddha as the most mature individual. 4) Visually, "Sumu-Akirameru" is experienced as calmly viewing natural scenery, whereas philobatism is experienced as gazing at an object.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Shame and guilt in women with eating-disorder symptomatology.

The relationship of shame and guilt to eating-disorder symptomatology was investigated in a sample of 97 Australian women. In terms of the objective of predicting the severity of eating disturbance, the study explored the predictive utility of proneness to shame and guilt in a global sense, shame and guilt associated specifically with eating contexts, and shame associated with the body. The study also sought to determine if shame is a more prominent emotion than guilt among women who have eating difficulties. Shame associated with eating behavior was the strongest predictor of the severity of eating-disorder symptomatology. Other effective predictors were guilt associated with eating behavior and body shame. Eating disturbance was unrelated to proneness to shame and guilt in a global sense. Discussion of these findings focuses on the issue of determining whether self-conscious affects are best regarded as causes or as consequences of eating disturbance.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Impact of childhood traumatic events, trauma-related guilt, and avoidant coping strategies on PTSD symptoms in female survivors of domestic violence.

This investigation utilized path analyses to examine the direct and indirect effects of experiences of potentially traumatic events in childhood, trauma-related guilt, and the use of avoidant coping strategies on level of PTSD symptomatology among a sample of female survivors of domestic violence. The results of this investigation indicated that individuals with more extensive histories of potentially traumatic events in childhood were more likely to report the experience of trauma-related guilt after exposure to domestic violence victimization in adulthood. Further, the path model indicated that experiencing trauma-related guilt was associated with greater use of avoidant coping strategies. Trauma-related guilt was related to increased PTSD symptomatology both directly and indirectly through the use of avoidant coping strategies. These findings highlight the importance of attending to guilt-based affective and cognitive reactions, maladaptive coping strategies, and the association between these constructs when treating survivors of relationship violence with multiple exposures to potentially traumatic events.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1990

Guilt reactions to sexual fantasies during intercourse.

This study explored how guilt feelings about having sexual fantasies during intercourse are related to frequency of fantasizing, to sexual satisfaction and sexual dysfunction, and to different beliefs about the cause, transgressive nature, and consequences of such fantasizing behavior. Drawing from a sample of 178 men and women with intercourse experience (means age = 27), 84% reported that they fantasized at least some of the time during sexual intercourse. From this sample, those who reported feeling most guilty about having sexual fantasies during intercourse (1 SD or more above the mean, n = 39) were compared to those who felt least guilty (1 SD or more below the mean, n = 43). Those subjects who felt guilty reported having significantly fewer sexual fantasies during intercourse than those who felt the least guilty. They also reported higher levels of sexual dissatisfaction and dysfunction. The high-guilt subjects believed that sexual fantasies during intercourse were significantly more abnormal, immoral, uncommon, socially unacceptable, and harmful to themselves, their partner, and their relationship regardless of whether their partner knew that such fantasies occurred. They also reported that the cause of their fantasizing during intercourse reflected significantly more negatively on their sexual behavior and their general character than did the low-guilt group. No statistically significant differences were found between groups on the causal attribution dimensions of internality, stability, or globality of such fantasies. In general, these findings suggest that guilt reactions about sexual fantasies during intercourse are related to beliefs that such fantasies are deviant and harmful and that such guilt reactions are negatively related to sexual satisfaction and adjustment.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2006

The role of responsibility and fear of guilt in hypothesis-testing.

Recent theories argue that both perceived responsibility and fear of guilt increase obsessive-like behaviours. We propose that hypothesis-testing might account for this effect. Both perceived responsibility and fear of guilt would influence subjects' hypothesis-testing, by inducing a prudential style. This style implies focusing on and confirming the worst hypothesis, and reiterating the testing process. In our experiment, we manipulated the responsibility and fear of guilt of 236 normal volunteers who executed a deductive task. The results show that perceived responsibility is the main factor that influenced individuals' hypothesis-testing. Fear of guilt has however a significant additive effect. Guilt-fearing participants preferred to carry on with the diagnostic process, even when faced with initial favourable evidence, whereas participants in the responsibility condition only did so when confronted with an unfavourable evidence. Implications for the understanding of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Activation of anterior paralimbic structures during guilt-related script-driven imagery.

BACKGROUND: Several recent neuroimaging studies have examined the neuroanatomical correlates of normal emotional states, such as happiness, sadness, fear, anger, anxiety, and disgust; however, no previous study has examined the emotional state of guilt. METHODS: In the current study, we used positron emission tomography and the script-driven imagery paradigm to study regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) during the transient emotional experience of guilt in eight healthy male participants. In the Guilt condition, participants recalled and imagined participating in a personal event involving the most guilt they had ever experienced. In the Neutral condition, participants recalled and imagined participating in an emotionally neutral personal event. RESULTS: In the Guilt versus Neutral comparison, rCBF increases occurred in anterior paralimbic regions of the brain: bilateral anterior temporal poles, anterior cingulate gyrus, and left anterior insular cortex/inferior frontal gyrus. CONCLUSIONS: These results, along with those of previous studies, are consistent with the notion that anterior paralimbic regions of the brain mediate negative emotional states in healthy individuals.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Guilt, shame, and symptoms in children.

The authors asked whether evidence could be found for adaptive or maladaptive aspects of guilt and shame in 5-12-year-old children (44 boys, 42 girls). Children completed semiprojective and scenario-based measures thought to assess shame, guilt, or both. Their parents (N = 83) completed the Child Behavior Checklist to assess child symptoms. Shame and projective guilt were related to symptoms; they also were associated with self-blame and attempts to minimize painful feelings. Scenario-based guilt was related to fewer symptoms in boys but to greater symptoms in girls. This measure of guilt reflected concerns with adhering to standards, expressing empathy, and taking appropriate responsibility. Discussion focuses on possible origins of differential symptom-emotion links in boys and girls as well as measurement implications.

Affect↗
PubMed1990

Guilt in depressed outpatients.

This study was designed to determine whether normal control subjects (n = 17) and depressed outpatients (n = 72) differed with respect to the extent and conditions under which they reported dysfunctional guilt. Depressed outpatients reported significantly more guilt than normal control subjects in most types of situations. A family history of depression was related to a higher overall level of guilt in patients. Course and severity of depression and endogenous subtype did not relate to the amount of guilt reported by the patients. This study provides clinical norms on the Situational Guilt Scale (SGS) for a sample of unipolar, nonpsychotic outpatients with major depressive disorder.

Adult↗