Developmental Perspectives on Shame

ABSTRACT

In this article the author discusses developmental perspectives on shame. To create a context, the paper begins with examples of the close connection of the emotion of shame and the body, the issue of the “social emotions,” and culture as an influencer of shameful experience. The bulk of the paper is devoted to a discussion of the developmental origins of emotions, particularly shame, in the child-caregiver relationship beginning in infancy and elaborated and modified over time. A clinical example of a child analytic case is given to illustrate some of the author’s points.

KEYWORDS:

• Emotions
• development
• culture
• non-linear
• co-creation
• self

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alexandra Murray Harrison

Alexandra M. Harrison, M.D., is a Supervising and Training Analyst in Adult and Child and Adolescent Analysis at the Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute, Assistant Professor in Psychiatry PT at the Harvard Medical School at the Cambridge Health Alliance, Core Faculty at the University of Massachusetts Boston Infant Parent Mental Health Program, and CEO of the nonprofit, Supporting Child Caregivers. Her academic interests are in the study of therapeutic action through microanalysis of clinical videotapes. Her clinical interests are in the analytic and analytically informed work with preschool children and their parents, and in young children with autistic spectrum disorder. A major current activity is the nonprofit, which collaborates with local institutions in developing countries to promote methods of supporting the infant-parent relationship for the sake of healthy lives.