Shame

One of the most commonly reported emotions in people seeking psychotherapy is shame and this emotion has become the subject of intense research and theory over the last 20 years. In ^IShame: Interpersonal Behavior Psychopathology and Culture^R Paul Gilbert and Bernice Andrews together with some of the most eminent figures in the field examine the effect of shame on social behavior social values and mental states. The text utilizes a multidisciplinary approach including perspectives from evolutionary and clinical psychology neurobiology sociology and anthropology. ^L In Part I the authors cover some of the core issues and current controversies concerning shame. Part II explores the role of shame on the development of the infant brain its evolution and the relationship between shame as a personal and interpersonal construct and stigma. Part III examines the connection between shame and psychopathology. Here authors are concerned with outlining how shame can significantly influence the formation manifestation and treatment of psychopathology. Finally Part IV discusses the notionthat shame is not only related to internal experiences but also conveys socially shared information about one's status and standing in the community. ^L ^IShame^R will be essential reading for clinicians clinical researchers and social psychologists. With a focus on shame in the context of social behavior the book will also appeal to a wide range of researchers in the fields of sociology anthropology and evolutionary psychology.