What is common may be as important as what is different: Examining the general factor shared by dispositional shame and guilt using bi-factor models

Previous research on shame-proneness and guilt-proneness has tended to focus on their unique associations with other variables, eliminating the substantial shared variance with shame-proneness when examining guilt-proneness, and eliminating the shared variance with guilt-proneness when examining shame-proneness. However, this approach does not examine the variance shared by shame- and guilt-proneness. To address this issue, we conducted three studies employing bi-factor models to examine the general factor shared by the proneness to experience shame and guilt, and their relationship to various personality traits and psychopathology (i.e., externalizing and internalizing psychopathology). Our results showed that the general factor was strongly and positively associated with personality traits related to moral emotions (empathy, agreeableness, and conscientiousness), and strongly but inversely associated with both self-reported and informant-reported externalizing psychopathology. The general factor was also associated with self-consciousness, but not with self-criticism, vulnerable narcissism or neuroticism. These findings have important implications for the conceptualization of shame-proneness and guilt-proneness.

Plain Language Summary

Uncovering the Shared Core Between Shame and Guilt: Insights Into Personality Traits and Behaviors: Shame and guilt are closely related traits that play a significant role in shaping how people see themselves and interact with others. Shame typically involves feeling badly about oneself, whereas guilt focuses on specific actions that one regrets. Despite these differences, these traits overlap, sharing a common psychological foundation. This study used advanced statistical methods to explore the shared “general factor” of shame and guilt, examining how it connects to personality traits and behaviors. Our results, based on data from thousands of participants, showed that this general factor is strongly linked to personality traits associated with morality, such as empathy, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. These traits are often associated with prosocial behaviors like cooperation and responsibility. At the same time, the general factor was inversely related to antisocial tendencies, such as aggression and rule-breaking. Importantly, the shared aspect of shame and guilt appears to reflect a personality dimension that helps regulate social behavior and strengthen interpersonal bonds. Unlike some views that associate shame and guilt with negative psychological outcomes, our findings suggest their overlap might contribute positively to emotional resilience and moral behavior. By focusing on the shared characteristics of these traits, this research provides new insights into how shame and guilt influence broader personality dimensions. This perspective helps us better understand the complexities of human behavior, emphasizing the need to consider both unique and shared elements of personality traits. These findings could inform approaches to personal growth and mental health, especially for individuals whose personality traits influence their emotional experiences and social interactions. This research may also help therapists better support people who struggle with harsh self-judgment, anxiety, or withdrawal due to strong feelings of shame or guilt.