Shame, guilt.

• Welcome to the BOL Forum on Shame and Affect Theory by John Grohol, 2/10/96
  
  

I propose that shame is an aversive stimuli experienced when one realizes that their own behavior is not in accordance with group behavior. If studied in an economic light, I think that it might be said that one, indeed, has something to gain by avoiding such behaviors. On the other hand, guilt is the aversive stimuli experienced when behavior is not in accorance with personal parameters. I.E. How much will this behavior cost, and in what currency? If I act ashamed, will that defer the cost of my previous behavior? As for the babies being ashamed: A child may at 22 months not be completely seperated from the possibility that the image in the mirror is actually looking back, and may exhibit behaviors which alternate between guilt and shame. So, I think that affective resonance, and "The Wall", are structures of economic convenience. Thank you for your time. J. Todd Brown.

• The concept of innate affect by Don Nathanson, 8/9/96