Parental representations, shame, interpersonal problems, and vulnerability to psychopathology

This study considers how judgements of relative social rank (inferior-superior) and shame may be related to interpersonal problems and psychopathology. Recall of parental care, overprotection, put-down/shaming and favouritism in relation to current perceptions of interpersonal problems and self-perceptions of shame and submissive behaviour were investigated. Findings suggest that perceptions of early experiences of put-down/shaming by parents and being a non-favoured child are salient variables in vulnerability to interpersonal problems and psychopathology-proneness.