Bartholomaeus, Vanessa2021-07-052021-07-052020http://hdl.handle.net/2440/131085This item is only available electronically.Shame and guilt are self-conscious and moral emotions which influence interpersonal experiences, mental health, and behaviour. Shame has been perceived as a painful and problematic emotion, considering its links to psychopathology, while guilt is often referred to as a useful emotion, guiding individuals towards repair strategies like ethical and prosocial behaviours. However, research has also shown that after a shame inducing experience individuals can engage in prosocial and ethical behaviours. Two possible factors that may influence an individual’s attempts to engage in repair strategies or avoidance strategies after experiencing shame are feelings of external shame and the perceived repairability of the situation. The present research assesses the effect of external shame and perceived repairability on the relationship between shame appraisal and repair and avoidance tendencies. One hundred and one healthy adults completed an online survey measuring proneness to shame and guilt, external shame, depression, and repairability. Results showed a positive association between shame appraisal and repair behaviour. External shame was associated with withdrawal behaviour, while perceived repairability was not associated with motivational tendencies. Reliability analysis revealed problematic reliabilities of the subscales measuring shame and guilt. The relationship between shame appraisal and repair behaviours are discussed in light of the moral and functional aspects of shame. External shame, with its direct influence on withdrawal, is discussed with regards to the development of depression.Honours; PsychologyThesis