The Potentially Life-Saving Difference Between Guilt and Shame

Research in human emotions shows us that the difference between shame and guilt is not just a minor linguistic one: the difference between “I did something bad” and “I am bad” is a huge one.

So what is it?

“I did something bad” describes a behavior. That’s guilt.

“I am bad” focuses on the self. That’s shame.

Studies show that the price of not realising the difference between these two concepts can be a life of misery. So, we have to ask:

What does shame correlate with? What’s the danger here?
What are major shame triggers?
And how we can work on our shame resilience?

I talk about all this in this episode!

Listen to it now and share it with the ones who need it.

As promised, references and recommendations!

4 responses to “The Potentially Life-Saving Difference Between Guilt and Shame”

  1. What Does Science Say About Empathy? – investigativeselfism Avatar

    […] not a mysterious concept no-one ever dared to research.And that research is pretty fascinating!I’ve already talked about the role empathy plays on shame (spoiler alert: shame can’t live where empathy is), […]

  2. Don’t Go Down The Spiral of Shame – investigativeselfism Avatar

    […] sounds great…” you might think, but hear me out! No, literally, hear me out: I have a whole episode on the difference between guilt and shame and how guilt is a much healthier feeling to process. […]

  3. Don’t Base Your Growth on Shame – Investigative Selfism Avatar

    […] explain the difference between shame and guilt, […]

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My name is Justina

As a political commentator who talks about different forms and systems of external oppression, I’m also interested in my own personal transformation.

In this platform, I share with you tools, frameworks, authors, and anything of value I have found to lead a life of authenticity.

Imperfectly – oh yes? And with silliness where appropriate (well, or not).

More about me here.