Shame: Wanting to be Seen and the Need to Hide

Authors: Sannes HR*

Volume 5, Issue 1

Abstract

Shame is differentiated from guilt and embarrassment by elucidating the biology and energetics of shame. Shame is a response to a relational injury. Its early developmental origins are explored, especially its relationship to narcissism. Gender differences to shame and responses to being shamed are elaborated. The issues surrounding healing sexual abuse are discussed focusing on shame as the major culprit in working with sexual abuse. Lastly, the dynamics of outliers and their susceptibility to shame are discussed.

Keywords: Shame; Narcissism; Gender; Sexual abuse; Outliers

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