An article by Paul Fromson, associate professor of psychology, has been accepted for publication in an upcoming edition of Psychological Reports journal.
The article is titled “Evoking Shame and Guilt: A Comparison of Two Theories.” Fromson’s results provide clear support for a theory emphasizing the difference between focusing upon the action versus focusing upon oneself. Focusing on the act tends to elicit guilt, whereas a focus on the wole self fosters shame, Fromson says. He argues that because actions can be “fixed,” guilt is basically a positive emotion that fosters atonement and the repairing of relationships. By contrast, it is difficult to “fix” a broken self, and shame is a more destructive emotion.