social
Guilt
Confidence · high
A self-conscious response to a specific harmful action, motivating repair.
I did something that hurt someone, and I can make it right.
01
Overview
Typical triggers
- ·Harming or disappointing another
- ·Falling short of one's own ethics
Common metaphors
- “Heavy conscience”
- “Weight on my shoulders”
02
Body
- chestHeaviness, pressure
- stomachKnots
Mixed activation
Arousal3/5
Energy3/5
- Heart rate
- Slightly elevated
- Breathing
- Tight, sighs
03
Mind
Attention
On the harmful act and the affected other
Facial expression
Drawn brow, downward gaze, soft mouth
Typical thoughts
- “I shouldn't have…”
- “How can I make this right?”
- “I owe them”
04
Behavior
- Apologizing, making amends
- Ruminating
- Approaching the harmed person
Environmental influences
Tight-knit relationships · Strong moral codes
05
Function
Motivates repair of relationships and learning from moral mistakes.
State transitions
- GuiltShamevia Generalizes from act to self
- GuiltAcceptancevia Repair is made, lesson integrated
06
Interventions
- Make a concrete repair if possible
- Distinguish responsible action from self-punishment
- Forgive yourself once amends are made
Reflection questions
- · What is the specific act I regret?
- · What repair is in my power?
07
Relationships
RelatedNeighborOpposite
08
Research
Guilt is consistently associated with empathy and reparative behavior, unlike shame.
Citations
- · Tangney & Dearing (2002). Shame and Guilt.