Copyright © 2006-2007 The Beyond Intractability Project Beyond Intractability is a Registered Trademark of the Universit

1. Copyright © 2006-2007 The Beyond Intractability ProjectBeyond Intractability is a Registered Trademark of the University of Colorado PowerPoint Summary of: Guilt and Shame

2. Slide 2: • Guilt vs. Shame • Though closely related, guilt and • shame are different • Guilt -- we feel guilty for what we do • - True Guilt -- refers to guilt for actions • one is responsible for • - False Guilt -- refers to guilt for • actions one is not responsible for • Shame -- we feel shame for who we are • Shame is more powerful than Guilt PowerPoint Summary of: Guilt and Shame

3. Slide 3: • Reactions to Guilt • Potentiallygoodfor conflict resolution • Tends to elicit constructive responses • Tends to focus on mending damage • Effects individual behavior (as it is • connected to a sense of right & wrong) • Prevents conduct which runs contrary to one’s moral code • “Guilt Mobilization” -- forcing people to recognize contradictions between what they believe or say, and what they do • Can convince people to act in a negative manner (if used irresponsibly) PowerPoint Summary of: Guilt and Shame

4. Slide 4: • Reactions to Shame • Usuallybad for conflict resolution • Tends to focus attention inward • Tends to elicit non-constructive responses such as • - Attacking or striking out at other people • - Seeking power and perfection • - Diverting blame • - Being overly nice or self-sacrificing • - Withdrawal • Often results in escalation and cycles of • shame and conflict PowerPoint Summary of: Guilt and Shame

5. Slide 5: • Guilt and Shame as Social Processes • Both guilt and shame are reactions to the • violation of normative standards of • acceptable behavior • By differentiating between the action and • the actor, we can simultaneously • Prevent shame, and its negative consequences • Maintain positive moral codes and the guilt associated with them PowerPoint Summary of: Guilt and Shame