The role of shame in psychological distress and psychosocial functioning: a brief report

The experience of shame can impact both physical and mental health. However, little is known about trait shame’s specific effect on psychological distress and psychosocial functioning among adults. The current study aimed to investigate this relationship. An online panel sample of 430 Australian adults ( M age = 44.78, SD = 18.99) completed an online survey assessing demographics, experiences of shame, and current level of social functioning and psychological distress. Multivariate linear regression models indicated that shame significantly worsened psychological distress and psychosocial functioning. Specifically, characterological shame ( B = 0.17) and bodily shame ( B = 0.18) were both significantly associated with increased psychological distress. Behavioural shame ( B = 0.11) and bodily shame ( B = 0.39) were significantly associated with poorer psychosocial functioning. Only residential socio-economic status (SES) was found to moderate these relationships, whilst no moderating effect was observed for age or gender. For participants living in a mid-SES area, the higher levels of shame did not have as large an effect on their psychological distress as those living in low- or high-SES areas. This study confirms shame as a multidimensional construct that is significantly associated with higher levels of psychological distress and poorer psychosocial functioning. Residential SES appears to have an important influence over the relationship between shame and distress. The findings emphasise the importance of developing and implementing shame-sensitive and restorative policies across health, educational, and justice systems to promote shame resilience.