Guilt

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Guilt

Guilt (/gɪlt/), from the Old English gylt meaning "crime" or "sin", 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.

Definition

Guilt is a feeling of responsibility or remorse for some offense, crime, wrong, etc., whether real or imagined. It is related to the concept of remorse, which is a deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed, and shame, which is a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior.

Types of Guilt

There are several types of guilt, including:

  • True guilt: This is the type of guilt people feel when they believe they have done something wrong.
  • False guilt: This is the type of guilt people feel when they haven't done anything wrong, but they still feel guilty.
  • Vicarious guilt: This is the type of guilt people feel for actions that they did not personally commit, but feel responsible for.
  • 'Survivor guilt: This is the type of guilt people feel when they have survived a traumatic event that others did not.

Causes of Guilt

Guilt can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Social norms: This is when a person feels guilty for violating the norms or expectations of their social group.

Effects of Guilt

Guilt can have a variety of effects on a person, including:

  • Behavioral changes: Guilt can lead to changes in behavior, such as increased altruism or avoidance of certain situations.
  • Physical symptoms: Guilt can also cause physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomachaches.

Treatment for Guilt

Treatment for guilt often involves psychotherapy, where a person can explore the reasons for their guilt and learn strategies to cope with it. In some cases, medication may also be used to treat any underlying mental health conditions that may be contributing to feelings of guilt.

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