When Shame Becomes Part of the Self: How Chronic Shame Shapes Personality

This article explores the origins and significance of shame from both developmental and relational perspectives within medical and psychotherapeutic contexts. Shame deeply embeds itself in one’s personality and can influence various aspects of human behavior. Approaches to tackling and managing a patient’s shame differ based on their background and specific issues. A doctor’s strategy in a single patient encounter will differ significantly from the long-term approach taken in psychotherapy. The authors highlight the psychological intricacies of shame and present various methods for addressing it in therapeutic settings.