Skip to main content
Top
Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Child and Family Studies 7/2014

01-10-2014 | Original Paper

Bound to Feel Bad About Oneself: Relations Between Attachment and the Self-conscious Emotions of Guilt and Shame in Children and Adolescents

Auteurs: Peter Muris, Cor Meesters, Maaike Cima, Maaike Verhagen, Nanda Brochard, Angelique Sanders, Chantalle Kempener, Judith Beurskens, Vera Meesters

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Child and Family Studies | Uitgave 7/2014

Log in om toegang te krijgen
share
DELEN

Deel dit onderdeel of sectie (kopieer de link)

  • Optie A:
    Klik op de rechtermuisknop op de link en selecteer de optie “linkadres kopiëren”
  • Optie B:
    Deel de link per e-mail

Abstract

Two cross-sectional studies were conducted to explore the relationship between attachment and the self-conscious emotions of guilt and shame in childhood. Study 1 was performed in non-clinical children aged 9–13 years (N = 688) who completed a single-item measure of attachment style and a vignette-based instrument for assessing guilt and shame. Results showed that children who classified themselves as insecurely attached displayed higher levels of shame and maladaptive types of guilt as compared to securely attached children. Study 2 was conducted in adolescents aged 12–18 years (N = 135), of whom the majority was referred to a clinical setting because of externalizing problems. Adolescents filled in a dimensional scale for measuring attachment quality to parents and peers and the above mentioned vignette-based instrument of guilt and shame. It was found that the clinical adolescents generally exhibited lower levels of self-conscious emotions as compared to non-clinical adolescents. Within this clinical group, communication to parents and peers was associated with higher levels of self-conscious emotions, and alienation was accompanied by higher levels of maladaptive forms of guilt and shame. Altogether, these results fit with the theory that attachment (in)security is involved in people’s proneness to experience self-conscious emotions.
Literatuur
go back to reference Andrews, B., Brewin, C. R., Rose, S., & Kirk, M. (2000). Predicting PTSD symptoms in victims of violent crime: The role of shame, anger, and childhood abuse. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 109, 69–73.PubMedCrossRef Andrews, B., Brewin, C. R., Rose, S., & Kirk, M. (2000). Predicting PTSD symptoms in victims of violent crime: The role of shame, anger, and childhood abuse. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 109, 69–73.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Armsden, G. C., & Greenberg, M. T. (1987). The inventory of parent and peer attachment: Individual differences and their relationship to psychological well-being in adolescence. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 16, 427–454.PubMedCrossRef Armsden, G. C., & Greenberg, M. T. (1987). The inventory of parent and peer attachment: Individual differences and their relationship to psychological well-being in adolescence. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 16, 427–454.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Baldwin, M. W., & Baccus, J. R. (2004). Maintaining a focus on the social goals underlying self-conscious emotions. Psychological Inquiry, 15, 139–144. Baldwin, M. W., & Baccus, J. R. (2004). Maintaining a focus on the social goals underlying self-conscious emotions. Psychological Inquiry, 15, 139–144.
go back to reference Baumeister, R. F., Stillwell, A. M., & Heatherton, T. F. (1995). Interpersonal aspects of guilt: Evidence from narrative studies. In J. P. Tangney & K. W. Fischer (Eds.), Self-conscious emotions: Shame, guilt, embarrassment, and pride (pp. 255–273). New York: Guilford. Baumeister, R. F., Stillwell, A. M., & Heatherton, T. F. (1995). Interpersonal aspects of guilt: Evidence from narrative studies. In J. P. Tangney & K. W. Fischer (Eds.), Self-conscious emotions: Shame, guilt, embarrassment, and pride (pp. 255–273). New York: Guilford.
go back to reference Bennett, D. S., Sullivan, M. W., & Lewis, M. (2005). Young children’s adjustment as a function of maltreatment, shame, and anger. Child Maltreatment, 10, 311–323.PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef Bennett, D. S., Sullivan, M. W., & Lewis, M. (2005). Young children’s adjustment as a function of maltreatment, shame, and anger. Child Maltreatment, 10, 311–323.PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and loss. Attachment (Vol. 1). New York: Basic Books. Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and loss. Attachment (Vol. 1). New York: Basic Books.
go back to reference Bowlby, J. (1973). Attachment and loss. Separation anxiety and anger (Vol. 2). New York: Basic Books. Bowlby, J. (1973). Attachment and loss. Separation anxiety and anger (Vol. 2). New York: Basic Books.
go back to reference Brown, M. Z., Linehan, M. M., Comtois, K. A., Murray, A., & Chapman, A. L. (2009). Shame as a prospective predictor of self-inflicted injury in borderline personality disorder: A multi-modal analysis. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 47, 815–822.PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef Brown, M. Z., Linehan, M. M., Comtois, K. A., Murray, A., & Chapman, A. L. (2009). Shame as a prospective predictor of self-inflicted injury in borderline personality disorder: A multi-modal analysis. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 47, 815–822.PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Crowell, J. A., Fraley, R. C., & Shaver, P. R. (1999). Measures of individual differences in adolescent and adult attachment. In J. Cassidy & P. R. Shaver (Eds.), Handbook of attachment: Theory, research, and clinical applications (pp. 434–465). New York: Guilford. Crowell, J. A., Fraley, R. C., & Shaver, P. R. (1999). Measures of individual differences in adolescent and adult attachment. In J. Cassidy & P. R. Shaver (Eds.), Handbook of attachment: Theory, research, and clinical applications (pp. 434–465). New York: Guilford.
go back to reference Dearing, R. L., Stuewig, J., & Tangney, J. P. (2005). On the importance of distinguishing shame from guilt: Relations to problematic alcohol and drug use. Addictive Behaviors, 30, 1392–1404.PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef Dearing, R. L., Stuewig, J., & Tangney, J. P. (2005). On the importance of distinguishing shame from guilt: Relations to problematic alcohol and drug use. Addictive Behaviors, 30, 1392–1404.PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Eisenberg, N., Fabes, R. A., & Spinrad, T. L. (2006). Prosocial development. In W. Damon, R. M. Lerner (Series Eds.) & N. Eisenberg (Vol. Ed.), Handbook of child psychology. Social, emotional, and personality development (Vol. 3, pp. 646–718). New York: Wiley. Eisenberg, N., Fabes, R. A., & Spinrad, T. L. (2006). Prosocial development. In W. Damon, R. M. Lerner (Series Eds.) & N. Eisenberg (Vol. Ed.), Handbook of child psychology. Social, emotional, and personality development (Vol. 3, pp. 646–718). New York: Wiley.
go back to reference Else-Quest, N. M., Higgins, A., Allison, C., & Morton, L. C. (2012). Gender differences in self-conscious emotional experience: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 138, 947–981.PubMedCrossRef Else-Quest, N. M., Higgins, A., Allison, C., & Morton, L. C. (2012). Gender differences in self-conscious emotional experience: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 138, 947–981.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Feldman, R. (2007). Mother-infant synchrony and the development of moral orientation in childhood and adolescence: Direct and indirect mechanisms of developmental continuity. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 77, 582–597.PubMedCrossRef Feldman, R. (2007). Mother-infant synchrony and the development of moral orientation in childhood and adolescence: Direct and indirect mechanisms of developmental continuity. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 77, 582–597.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Fergus, T. A., Valentiner, D. P., McGrath, P., & Jencius, S. (2010). Shame- and guilt-proneness: Relationships with anxiety disorder symptoms in a clinical sample. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 24, 811–815.PubMedCrossRef Fergus, T. A., Valentiner, D. P., McGrath, P., & Jencius, S. (2010). Shame- and guilt-proneness: Relationships with anxiety disorder symptoms in a clinical sample. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 24, 811–815.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Gilbert, P. (1997). The evolution of social attractiveness and its role in shame, humiliation, guilt and therapy. British Journal of Medical Psychology, 70, 113–147.PubMedCrossRef Gilbert, P. (1997). The evolution of social attractiveness and its role in shame, humiliation, guilt and therapy. British Journal of Medical Psychology, 70, 113–147.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Gross, C. A., & Hansen, N. E. (2000). Clarifying the experience of shame: The role of attachment style, gender, and investment in relatedness. Personality and Individual Differences, 28, 897–907.CrossRef Gross, C. A., & Hansen, N. E. (2000). Clarifying the experience of shame: The role of attachment style, gender, and investment in relatedness. Personality and Individual Differences, 28, 897–907.CrossRef
go back to reference Gullone, E., & Robinson, K. (2005). The inventory of parent and peer attachment-revised (IPPA-R) for children: Psychometric investigation. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 12, 67–79.CrossRef Gullone, E., & Robinson, K. (2005). The inventory of parent and peer attachment-revised (IPPA-R) for children: Psychometric investigation. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 12, 67–79.CrossRef
go back to reference Hazan, C., & Shaver, P. (1987). Romantic love conceptualized as an attachment process. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52, 511–524.PubMedCrossRef Hazan, C., & Shaver, P. (1987). Romantic love conceptualized as an attachment process. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52, 511–524.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Kochanska, G. (1991). Socialization and temperament in the development of guilt and conscience. Child Development, 62, 1379–1392.PubMedCrossRef Kochanska, G. (1991). Socialization and temperament in the development of guilt and conscience. Child Development, 62, 1379–1392.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Kochanska, G., Barry, R. A., Aksan, N., & Boldt, L. J. (2008). A developmental model of maternal and child contributions to disruptive conduct: The first six years. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 49, 1220–1227.PubMed Kochanska, G., Barry, R. A., Aksan, N., & Boldt, L. J. (2008). A developmental model of maternal and child contributions to disruptive conduct: The first six years. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 49, 1220–1227.PubMed
go back to reference Kochanska, G., Barry, R. A., Jimenez, N. B., Hollatz, A. L., & Woodard, J. (2012). Guilt and effortful control: Two mechanisms that prevent disruptive developmental trajectories. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 97, 322–333.CrossRef Kochanska, G., Barry, R. A., Jimenez, N. B., Hollatz, A. L., & Woodard, J. (2012). Guilt and effortful control: Two mechanisms that prevent disruptive developmental trajectories. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 97, 322–333.CrossRef
go back to reference Kochanska, G., Forman, D. R., Aksan, N., & Dunbar, S. B. (2005). Pathways to conscience: Early mother–child mutually responsive orientation and children’s moral emotion, conduct, and cognition. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 46, 19–34.PubMedCrossRef Kochanska, G., Forman, D. R., Aksan, N., & Dunbar, S. B. (2005). Pathways to conscience: Early mother–child mutually responsive orientation and children’s moral emotion, conduct, and cognition. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 46, 19–34.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Lewis, H. B. (1971). Shame and guilt in neurosis. New York: International Universities Press. Lewis, H. B. (1971). Shame and guilt in neurosis. New York: International Universities Press.
go back to reference Lopez, F. G., Gover, M. R., Leskela, J., Sauer, E. M., Schirmer, L., & Wyssmann, J. (1997). Attachment styles, shame, guilt, and collaborative problem-solving orientations. Personal Relationships, 4, 187–199.CrossRef Lopez, F. G., Gover, M. R., Leskela, J., Sauer, E. M., Schirmer, L., & Wyssmann, J. (1997). Attachment styles, shame, guilt, and collaborative problem-solving orientations. Personal Relationships, 4, 187–199.CrossRef
go back to reference Meesters, C., Cima, M., Roelofs, J., Muris, P., & Colenbrander, H. (submitted). Relationships between child- and parent-reported attachment style and symptoms of anxiety disorders and depression in non-clinical children. Meesters, C., Cima, M., Roelofs, J., Muris, P., & Colenbrander, H. (submitted). Relationships between child- and parent-reported attachment style and symptoms of anxiety disorders and depression in non-clinical children.
go back to reference Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2005). Attachment theory and emotions in close relationships: Exploring the attachment-related dynamics of emotional reactions to relational events. Personal Relationships, 12, 149–168.CrossRef Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2005). Attachment theory and emotions in close relationships: Exploring the attachment-related dynamics of emotional reactions to relational events. Personal Relationships, 12, 149–168.CrossRef
go back to reference Muris, P., Mayer, B., & Meesters, C. (2000a). Self-reported attachment style, anxiety, and depression in children. Social Behavior and Personality, 28, 157–162.CrossRef Muris, P., Mayer, B., & Meesters, C. (2000a). Self-reported attachment style, anxiety, and depression in children. Social Behavior and Personality, 28, 157–162.CrossRef
go back to reference Muris, P., & Meesters, C. (2002). Attachment, behavioral inhibition, and anxiety disorders symptoms in normal adolescents. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 24, 97–106.CrossRef Muris, P., & Meesters, C. (2002). Attachment, behavioral inhibition, and anxiety disorders symptoms in normal adolescents. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 24, 97–106.CrossRef
go back to reference Muris, P., & Meesters, C. (2013). Small or big in the eyes of the other. On the developmental psychopathology of self-conscious emotions as shame, guilt, and pride. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review. doi:10.1007/s10567-013-0137-z. Muris, P., & Meesters, C. (2013). Small or big in the eyes of the other. On the developmental psychopathology of self-conscious emotions as shame, guilt, and pride. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review. doi:10.​1007/​s10567-013-0137-z.
go back to reference Muris, P., Meesters, C., Merckelbach, H., & Hülsenbeck, P. (2000b). Worry in children is related to perceived parental rearing and attachment. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 38, 487–497.PubMedCrossRef Muris, P., Meesters, C., Merckelbach, H., & Hülsenbeck, P. (2000b). Worry in children is related to perceived parental rearing and attachment. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 38, 487–497.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Muris, P., Meesters, C., & Van den Berg, S. (2003). Internalizing and externalizing problems as correlates of self-reported attachment style and perceived parental rearing in normal adolescents. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 12, 171–183.CrossRef Muris, P., Meesters, C., & Van den Berg, S. (2003). Internalizing and externalizing problems as correlates of self-reported attachment style and perceived parental rearing in normal adolescents. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 12, 171–183.CrossRef
go back to reference Muris, P., Meesters, C., Van Melick, M., & Zwambag, L. (2001). Self-reported attachment style, attachment quality, and symptoms of anxiety and depression in young adolescents. Personality and Individual Differences, 30, 809–818.CrossRef Muris, P., Meesters, C., Van Melick, M., & Zwambag, L. (2001). Self-reported attachment style, attachment quality, and symptoms of anxiety and depression in young adolescents. Personality and Individual Differences, 30, 809–818.CrossRef
go back to reference Schoenleber, M., & Berenbaum, H. (2010). Shame aversion and shame proneness in cluster C personality disorders. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 119, 197–205.PubMedCrossRef Schoenleber, M., & Berenbaum, H. (2010). Shame aversion and shame proneness in cluster C personality disorders. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 119, 197–205.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Sroufe, L. A. (2005). Attachment and development: A prospective, longitudinal study from birth to adulthood. Attachment and Human Development, 7, 349–367.PubMedCrossRef Sroufe, L. A. (2005). Attachment and development: A prospective, longitudinal study from birth to adulthood. Attachment and Human Development, 7, 349–367.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Stegge, H., & Ferguson, T. J. (1990). Child–child attribution and reaction survey (C-CARS). Amsterdam: Free University of Amsterdam and Logan, Utah State University. Stegge, H., & Ferguson, T. J. (1990). Child–child attribution and reaction survey (C-CARS). Amsterdam: Free University of Amsterdam and Logan, Utah State University.
go back to reference Stegge, H., & Ferguson, T. J. (1994). Self-conscious emotions maladaptive and adaptive scales (SCEMAS). Amsterdam: Free University of Amsterdam and Logan, Utah State University. Stegge, H., & Ferguson, T. J. (1994). Self-conscious emotions maladaptive and adaptive scales (SCEMAS). Amsterdam: Free University of Amsterdam and Logan, Utah State University.
go back to reference Stuewig, J., & McCloskey, L. A. (2005). The relation of child maltreatment to shame and guilt among adolescents: Psychological routes to depression and delinquency. Child Maltreatment, 10, 324–336.PubMedCrossRef Stuewig, J., & McCloskey, L. A. (2005). The relation of child maltreatment to shame and guilt among adolescents: Psychological routes to depression and delinquency. Child Maltreatment, 10, 324–336.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Stuewig, J., Tangney, J. P., Heigel, C., Harty, L., & McCloskey, L. (2010). Shaming, blaming, and maiming: Functional links among the moral emotions, externalization of blame, and aggression. Journal of Research in Personality, 44, 91–102.PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef Stuewig, J., Tangney, J. P., Heigel, C., Harty, L., & McCloskey, L. (2010). Shaming, blaming, and maiming: Functional links among the moral emotions, externalization of blame, and aggression. Journal of Research in Personality, 44, 91–102.PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Tangney, J. P. (1991). Moral affect: The good, the bad, and the ugly. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 61, 598–607.PubMedCrossRef Tangney, J. P. (1991). Moral affect: The good, the bad, and the ugly. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 61, 598–607.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Tangney, J. P. (1996). Conceptual and methodological issues in the assessment of shame and guilt. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 34, 741–754.PubMedCrossRef Tangney, J. P. (1996). Conceptual and methodological issues in the assessment of shame and guilt. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 34, 741–754.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Tangney, J. P., & Tracy, J. L. (2012). Self-conscious emotions. In M. R. Leary & J. P. Tangney (Eds.), Handbook of self and identity (pp. 446–478). New York: Guilford. Tangney, J. P., & Tracy, J. L. (2012). Self-conscious emotions. In M. R. Leary & J. P. Tangney (Eds.), Handbook of self and identity (pp. 446–478). New York: Guilford.
go back to reference Tangney, J. P., Wagner, P. E., & Gramzow, R. (1989). The test of self-conscious affect (TOSCA). Fairfax, VA: George Mason University. Tangney, J. P., Wagner, P. E., & Gramzow, R. (1989). The test of self-conscious affect (TOSCA). Fairfax, VA: George Mason University.
go back to reference Tangney, J. P., Wagner, P. E., Hill-Barlow, D., Marschall, D. E., & Gramzow, R. (1996). Relation of shame and guilt to constructive versus destructive responses to anger across the lifespan. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 70, 797–809.PubMedCrossRef Tangney, J. P., Wagner, P. E., Hill-Barlow, D., Marschall, D. E., & Gramzow, R. (1996). Relation of shame and guilt to constructive versus destructive responses to anger across the lifespan. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 70, 797–809.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Thompson, R. J., & Berenbaum, H. (2006). Shame reactions to everyday dilemmas are associated with depressive disorder. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 30, 415–425.CrossRef Thompson, R. J., & Berenbaum, H. (2006). Shame reactions to everyday dilemmas are associated with depressive disorder. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 30, 415–425.CrossRef
go back to reference Tracy, J. L., & Robins, R. W. (2004). Putting the self into self-conscious emotions: A theoretical model. Psychological Inquiry, 15, 103–125.CrossRef Tracy, J. L., & Robins, R. W. (2004). Putting the self into self-conscious emotions: A theoretical model. Psychological Inquiry, 15, 103–125.CrossRef
go back to reference Troop, N. A., Allan, S., Serpell, L., & Treasure, J. L. (2008). Shame in women with a history of eating disorders. European Eating Disorders Review, 16, 480–488.PubMedCrossRef Troop, N. A., Allan, S., Serpell, L., & Treasure, J. L. (2008). Shame in women with a history of eating disorders. European Eating Disorders Review, 16, 480–488.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Wei, M., Schaffer, P. A., Young, S. K., & Zakalik, R. A. (2005). Adult attachment, shame, depression, and loneliness: The mediation role of basic psychological needs satisfaction. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 52, 591–601.CrossRef Wei, M., Schaffer, P. A., Young, S. K., & Zakalik, R. A. (2005). Adult attachment, shame, depression, and loneliness: The mediation role of basic psychological needs satisfaction. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 52, 591–601.CrossRef
Metagegevens
Titel
Bound to Feel Bad About Oneself: Relations Between Attachment and the Self-conscious Emotions of Guilt and Shame in Children and Adolescents
Auteurs
Peter Muris
Cor Meesters
Maaike Cima
Maaike Verhagen
Nanda Brochard
Angelique Sanders
Chantalle Kempener
Judith Beurskens
Vera Meesters
Publicatiedatum
01-10-2014
Uitgeverij
Springer US
Gepubliceerd in
Journal of Child and Family Studies / Uitgave 7/2014
Print ISSN: 1062-1024
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-2843
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-013-9817-z

Andere artikelen Uitgave 7/2014

Journal of Child and Family Studies 7/2014 Naar de uitgave