Two out of every three inmates in the United States wind up behind bars again within three years of being released from jail. This causes a problem that contributes to not one of the highest but the highest incarceration rates in the world.
Recent research has shown that the rate inmates express shame and guilt may provide insight into how likely they are to re-offend.
Oftentimes individuals are met with moral emotions of shame or guilt during their rehabilitation after offending.
Those feelings are referred to as moral emotions because of their role in enabling selfless and antisocial behaviors.
Guilt Versus Shame
Guilt and shame are often used interchangeably but are two very different emotions and refer to two different experiences.
They also often go hand in hand bring forth the same feelings from the same action. Shame reflects how we feel about ourselves, where guilt involves an awareness that our actions have adversely affected someone else.
When individuals feel guilty, they experience a sense of tension, remorse, and regret. These moral emotions have been seen to motivate corrective actions such as confessing, apologizing, or attempting to repair damage.
In contrast, feelings of shame involve a negative view of oneself. Many people who feel shame respond defensively; they attempt to deny responsibility and aim to blame others – an approach that can lead to aggressive behaviors.
Connection Between Guilt, Shame & Recidivism
Recent findings suggest that inmates that feel guilty about certain behaviors are more likely to stay out of jail rather than those who feel shame are less likely inclined to do so.
Researchers June Tangney and colleagues found that distinguishing shame and guilt involves the types of situations that emit these emotions. While there are few shame and guilt experiences from children and adults, there are some reliable “shame-inducing or guilt-inducing situations” situations.
Tangney (et al.) found that guilt has been more linked to moral offenses where shame is prompted by a broader range of situations that include both moral and non-moral failures.
While these moral emotions might be hard to distinguish, researchers hypothesized that one ot the other of these emotions contribute to different outcomes.
Treatment for Shame and Guilt in Offending
Research has shown the effectiveness of shame-based therapies. Treatment includes compassion-focused therapy (CFT) and shame-enhanced dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for borderline personality disorder.
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)
Compassion-focused therapy or CFT aids in helping individuals who struggle with shame and self-criticism that result from abuse or neglect. In this case, CFT teaches clients to cultivate skills in compassion and self-compassion. This can help individuals regulate their good and lead to positive behaviors and emotions like self-acceptance.
Shame and self-criticism often arise from neglect or bullying or, in this case, offending. Traumatized people often feel that their inner and outer worlds are always on the brink of hostility.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) aims to improve emotions and learn how to manage them. In this therapy, negative thinking patterns are analyzed then solutions are devised to break negative thought patterns.
DBT teaches therapeutic skills in four ways. The first is mindfulness which helps people live in the present. The second is distress tolerance. This step focuses on a person’s tolerance of negative emotions. The third is emotional regulation, which helps individuals manage or cope with their intense emotions.
Lastly, interpersonal effectiveness entails learning techniques that allow a person to communicate more efficiently and less assertive. It also helps to maintain and strengthen relationships.
Mental Health Treatment with Steps For Change
If you or a loved one need mental health treatment in Minnesota, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We understand that every person’s situation is unique. Therefore, our mental health professionals will work with you to create a personalized plan for you.
To learn more about mental health treatment, book a phone call today.
