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Positive and psycho-pathological aspects between shame and shamelessness
Anna Saya1,2, Gregorio Di Ciaccia3, Cinzia Niolu1,2
1Psychiatry Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
Frontiers in Psychology
|August 22, 2022
Summary
Shame is a core relational affect impacting mental wellbeing and social functioning. Understanding its origins and pathological expressions is crucial for treating various mental health conditions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Psychoanalysis
Background:
- Interpersonal relationships are vital for mental wellbeing and social functioning.
- Shame is identified as a primary relational affect, influencing both its origins and purpose.
- Pathological manifestations of shame exist across conscious and unconscious dimensions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of shame as an affect inherent in the dynamic of interpersonal encounters.
- To explore the pathological elements associated with shame in its various dimensions.
- To analyze the link between unmet needs for belonging and acceptance, and the genesis of shame.
Main Methods:
- Review of psychoanalytic and philosophical theoretical perspectives on belonging, acceptance, and abandonment.
- Examination of shame's role across diverse psychopathologies, including schizophrenia, depression, eating disorders, and personality disorders.
- Analysis of cultural variations in shame interpretation (Eastern vs. Western).
- Consideration of the body's role in interpersonal encounters and shame experiences.
Main Results:
- Shame arises from the dissatisfaction of fundamental needs for belonging and acceptance, coupled with the fear of abandonment.
- A heterogeneous range of shame manifestations and defense mechanisms are observed across different pathologies.
- Cultural norms significantly influence the interpretation and experience of shame.
- The body plays a significant role in the experience and expression of shame during interpersonal interactions.
Conclusions:
- Shame is a fundamental affect deeply rooted in interpersonal dynamics and the need for social connection.
- Understanding shame's multifaceted nature, including its pathological expressions and cultural variations, is essential for effective clinical practice.
- Further research into the bodily and unconscious dimensions of shame is warranted for a comprehensive understanding of mental health disorders.
Keywords:
belongingnessdepressioneating disordersemotion acceptancepersonality disorderspsychosisrelationshipsshameMore Related Videos
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