Copyright © The Beyond Intractability Project Beyond Intractability is a Registered Trademark of the University of Colorado PowerPoint Summary of: Guilt and Shame

Slide 2: Guilt vs. Shame Though closely related, guilt and shame are different Guilt -- we feel guilty for what we do - True Guilt -- refers to guilt for actions one is responsible for - False Guilt -- refers to guilt for actions one is not responsible for Shame -- we feel shame for who we are Shame is more powerful than Guilt PowerPoint Summary of: Guilt and Shame

Slide 3: Reactions to Guilt Potentially good for conflict resolution Tends to elicit constructive responses Tends to focus on mending damage Effects individual behavior (as it is connected to a sense of right & wrong) Prevents conduct which runs contrary to one’s moral code “Guilt Mobilization” -- forcing people to recognize contradictions between what they believe or say, and what they do Can convince people to act in a negative manner (if used irresponsibly) PowerPoint Summary of: Guilt and Shame

PowerPoint Summary of: Guilt and Shame Slide 4: Reactions to Shame Usually bad for conflict resolution Tends to focus attention inward Tends to elicit non-constructive responses such as - Attacking or striking out at other people - Seeking power and perfection - Diverting blame - Being overly nice or self-sacrificing - Withdrawal Often results in escalation and cycles of shame and conflict

Slide 5: Guilt and Shame as Social Processes Both guilt and shame are reactions to the violation of normative standards of acceptable behavior By differentiating between the action and the actor, we can simultaneously Prevent shame, and its negative consequences Maintain positive moral codes and the guilt associated with them PowerPoint Summary of: Guilt and Shame