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Shame, guilt, and suicidal thoughts: The interaction matters.
David Kealy1, Matt S Treeby2, Simon M Rice3,4
1Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
The British Journal of Clinical Psychology
|April 9, 2021
Summary
Generalized guilt, but not shame, is linked to suicidal thoughts. However, higher shame intensifies the guilt-suicidal ideation connection in mental health patients.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Generalized shame and guilt are self-conscious emotions.
- Excessive levels of these emotions may increase the risk of suicidal ideation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the associations between generalized shame, guilt, and suicidal ideation.
- To investigate the interaction between shame and guilt in relation to suicidal ideation.
Main Methods:
- 100 individuals from outpatient mental health services participated.
- Correlational and regression analyses were used to assess associations.
- Depressive symptoms and history of suicide attempts were controlled.
Main Results:
- Generalized guilt, not shame, was significantly associated with suicidal ideation.
- A significant shame × guilt interaction indicated that higher shame amplified the guilt-suicidal ideation link.
- These findings persisted after controlling for depressive symptoms and prior suicide attempts.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians should consider both generalized shame and guilt, and their interaction, when assessing suicidal thoughts.
- Generalized guilt may be a unique risk factor, particularly when shame is also present.