Shame arises from breaking social norms or expectations of others; consequently, we receive formal and informal sanctions from them. Experiencing shame by feeling shame we acknowledge that we fell short of these expectations and work to re-align ourselves to these standards.

Regulating Moral Behavior: Shame

Some functions of shame include:
- Regulating moral behavior
- Development of social control

Alma College

Shame is characterized by hopelessness and the belief that we are powerless or worthless

Shame

Niedenthal, P. M., & Ric, F. (2017). Psychology of Emotion (2nd ed.). Psychology Press.

Psychology of Emotion

When experiencing shame, we tend to gaze downward, hang their head and shoulders, and drop their arms to their side. 

Bodily Expressions Associated with Shame

Shame occurs when notice that we have failed or violated some social norm. Most importantly, we think this stems from something innate about ourselves.

Cause of Shame

An individual's assessment of the cause of the negative situations determines whether we feel shame or guilt.
- In guilt, we focus on our behavior whereas in shame we focus on our entire self

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