The Many Faces of Shame

by Donald L. Nathanson (Editor)

For almost a century the concept of guilt, as embedded in drive theory, has dominated psychoanalytic thought. Increasingly, however, investigators are focusing on shame as a key aspect of human behavior. This volume captures a range of compelling viewpoints on the role of shame in psychological development, psychopathology, and the therapeutic process. Donald Nathanson has assembled internationally prominent authorities, engaging them in extensive dialogue about their areas of expertise. Concise introductions to each chapter place the authors both historically and theoretically, and outline their emphases and contributions to our understanding of shame. Including many illustrative clinical examples, the book covers such topics as the relationship between shame and narcissism, shame's central place in affect theory, psychosis and shame, and shame in the literature of French psychoanalysis and philosophy.

Genres: Psychology

370 pages, Hardcover

First published February 18, 1987

Reviews

[Jeanette Raymond · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apart from a couple of chapters, the book was disappointing. The editor selected authors to present views of shame from a variety of perspectives, but most were esoteric and not easy to relate to. As a therapist I read and reread the chapter on Narcissism and shame. That chapter was based on clinical examples and theoretical foundatations that was helpful and believable.

[Alex Flynn]

Excellent resource for articles from analysts discussing the interplay of shame and narcissism (my main interest). I picked it up for character research for something I'm working on and found it to be very useful.