'false guilt' or shame for events for which we were not responsible.

Guilt is a feeling that everyone is familiar with. It can be described as a 'bothered conscience', or an embarrassment for actions for which we are responsible. This is however only one form of guilt. The other is



'false guilt' or shame for events for which we were not responsible.


We feel guilty for what we do but we feel shame for who we are. Shame is a much stronger emotion than guilt. We feel ashamed of something inside of us.



Guilt elicits responses that seek to mend the damage done, whereas shame leads us to avoid others and be defensive, aggressive and retaliatory, which in turn, exacerbates conflict.


By showing empathy towards someone for their wrongdoing. we show them that what they do is separate from who they are. By differentiating between the actor and the action, we help to prevent shame and its negative connotations.
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