Shame that Pains Us Can Also Change Us
Briefly

Shame is a complex emotion associated with feelings of inadequacy, unworthiness, and dishonor. While it can induce a desire to hide due to perceived flaws, it also acts as a catalyst for personal growth and change. Shame signals when our happiness is threatened, prompting us to adjust behaviors for social appropriateness and mend relationships. This duality highlights shame's role in personal development, indicating that it can lead to both negative self-perception and constructive relational dynamics.
When shame is triggered, we feel bad about who we are-our whole self. This feeling of inadequacy makes us want to hide or disappear.
Shame can lead us to feel our entire self is flawed or bad, which creates a desire for learning, growth, and a change in behavior.
Shame reacts when positive emotions are interfered with, informing us that our happiness is at risk and motivating actions to restore our good feelings.
Shame plays a key role in our relationships, signaling disconnection and motivating us to reflect on past emotional responses to restore positive feelings.
Read at Psychology Today
[
|
]