The Subtle Origins of Shame

2/25/2008
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"Shame is an experience of wanting to hide, of feeling worthless, alienated and isolated . . . Unlike guilt, with which it is often confused, shame is about perceived defects of one's self rather than about one's acts."
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"The origins of shame are varied, and not fully understood. We seem to be programmed to interpret certain words and behavior by others–especially parents and siblings in childhood–as not simply critical of our behavior, but a statement of our worth. This is an especially powerful force coming from parents, under whose authority and supervision we are molded into social beings. While this may be especially pronounced in dysfunctional or abusive homes–alcoholism, sexual abuse, and mental illness come to mind–it occurs even in well-functioning family units, and with speech and actions which are not intended as critical or demeaning, but which are interpreted as such."
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Tags: PsychoPhiloComicology
Posted in Psychology

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