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What is shame? 


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Shame is a complex emotion that has been subject to various understandings. It is a feeling that arises when there is a discrepancy between the inner and outer world, and between desire and reality . Shame can result from falling short of one's ideal and can lead to self-evaluation and self-consciousness . It is a negative emotion that can be deeply rooted in the human condition and can impact self-esteem and mental well-being . Shame has been studied in relation to various disorders, such as social anxiety, eating disorders, and personality disorders . It can also play a role in promoting group coherence and cooperation, as well as in ostracizing and stigmatizing individuals who do not conform to group norms . Overall, shame is a multifaceted emotion that has both individual and societal implications.

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Book ChapterDOI
10 Feb 2023
Shame is a human emotion that is developed and culturally imprinted during childhood and fully developed at the age of puberty. It is deeply anchored in the human condition and can be used to strengthen group coherence or to ostracize and stigmatize individuals.
Shame is a profound negative emotion that can sometimes be covered up by guilt and remains undiagnosed.
The paper describes shame as a feeling that arises from the difference between the inner and outer world and between desire and reality. It unsettles self-confidence and encourages reflection on this difference.
Open accessJournal Article
7 Citations
The paper discusses the nature of shame as a conflict between the integral and incomplete self. It suggests that shame promotes humanity and morality and is associated with beauty and kindness.

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