Guilt (emotion)

Guilt is a cognitive or an emotional experience that occurs when a person believes or realizes—accurately or not—that they have compromised their own standards of conduct or have violated universal moral standards and bear significant responsibility for that violation. Guilt is closely related to the concept of remorse as well as shame.

Overview

Guilt is an important factor in many forms of psychotherapy. According to the American Psychological Association, "guilt can be a healthy emotion and powerful motivator for change." However, when guilt is excessive or becomes chronic, it can interfere with a person's quality of life.

Psychological views

Sigmund Freud described guilt as the result of a struggle between the ego, the id, and the superego. Freud argued that guilt is often the result of transgressing what he termed the "moral code". Freud believed that guilt and the anxiety it produces may be unconscious and need to be treated in psychoanalysis.

Neurological perspectives

Neuroscientists have identified the areas of the brain involved in feelings of guilt. Researchers have found that guilt is associated with activation of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. These areas are also associated with empathy, suggesting a link between guilt and empathy.

Cultural views

Different cultures have different views on guilt. In some cultures, guilt is seen as a positive force that encourages people to behave in a moral way. In other cultures, guilt is seen as a negative force that is used to control and manipulate people.

See also

• Shame
• Remorse
• Regret
• Empathy
• Moral responsibility