Guilt

Definition

Guilt refers to a feeling of remorse or regret that arises from the recognition of one's wrongdoing or violation of moral standards. It is often experienced when an individual believes they have acted in a way that goes against their own internalized sense of right and wrong.

Related terms

Conscience: A related term to guilt, conscience refers to an internal sense of what is right and wrong, which guides our behavior and produces feelings of guilt when we violate our moral principles.

Superego:

In psychoanalytic theory, the superego represents the internalized ethical standards developed through interactions with parents and society. It plays a significant role in generating feelings of guilt when individuals behave contrary to their moral ideals.

Moral Development:

Moral development refers to the process through which individuals acquire and internalize moral values, beliefs, and behaviors. It involves the formation of a personal code of ethics that guides decision-making processes.