Shame: An Acute Stress Response to Interpersonal Traumatization.

This paper conceptualizes shame as an acute stress response to an unacceptable view of oneself mediated through another's perspective. After reviewing the developmental antecedents and ontogenetic role of shame, the author first illustrates how shame may induce a depressive paralysis and self-hurtful intent when the goal of reconciliation is thwarted. She then addresses how shame ignited by narcissistic injury can mobilize aggressive behavior toward others, motivated by a need to restore the self.

Hubris: a primal danger.

Although the myth of Oedipus has been linked with psychiatry through the words of Sigmund Freud, it has not been remembered in the context of its playwright's intention. Sophocles gave Oedipus to his fellow Athenians as a warning (Knox, 1984). That warning was about hubris.

Humiliation: the trauma of disrespect.

Humiliation, triggered by sensed insult, is hypothesized as a traumatic stimulus and the driving force of a goal-directed survival response that includes predictable emotional appraisals, and motivational or behavioral responses. Because these responses appear automatic and obligatory, they are most likely innately planted as a survival mechanism. Sensitive to developmental experience, these psychobiological responses can be intensified or modulated by social learning.

Shame: an acute stress response to interpersonal traumatization.

This paper conceptualizes shame as an acute stress response to an unacceptable view of oneself mediated through another's perspective. After reviewing the developmental antecedents and ontogenetic role of shame, the author first illustrates how shame may induce a depressive paralysis and self-hurtful intent when the goal of reconciliation is thwarted. She then addresses how shame ignited by narcissistic injury can mobilize aggressive behavior toward others, motivated by a need to restore the self.