Psychological Differences in Shame vs. Guilt: Implications for Mental Health Counselors

Abstract

Recent work on the psychological distinctions between shame and guilt has important implications for mental health counselors. In particular, the work of Lewis (1971) and Tangney (1990, 1995; Tangney & Dearing, 2002) identifies psychological differences between shame and guilt and how they are phenomenologically expressed that provides helpful insight to those working with clients experiencing these emotions. This paper draws upon this work to establish criteria for distinguishing shame and guilt and to offer guidelines for their treatment.