The Psychology of Shame: Theory and Treatment of Shame-Based Syndromes

by Gershen Kaufman

In this classic volume, Kaufman synthesizes object relations theory, interpersonal theory, and, in particular, Silvan Tompkins's affect theory, to provide a powerful and multidimensional view of shame. Using his own clinical experience, he illustrates the application of affect theory to general classes of shame-based syndromes including compulsive; schizoid, depressive, and paranoid; sexual dysfunction; splitting; and sociopathic. This second edition includes two new chapters in which Dr. Kaufman presents shame as a societal dynamic and shows its impact on culture. He examines the role of shame in shaping the evolving identity of racial, ethnic, and religious minorities, and expands his theory of governing scenes. This new edition will continue to be of keen interest to clinical psychiatrists as well as graduate students.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Self Help

375 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Gershen Kaufman was educated at Columbia University and received his PhD. in clinical psychology from the University of Rochester. Professor in the Counseling Center and Psychology Department at Michigan State University, he is the author of Shame: The Power of Caring (Rochester, Vermont: Schenkman Books, 1992) and The Psychology of Shame: Theory and Treatment of Shame-Based Syndromes (New York: Springer Publishing Co., 1996). He is the co-author, with Lev Raphael, of Dynamics of Power: Fighting Shame and Building Self-Esteem (Rochester, Vermont: Schenkman Books, 1991) and Coming Out of Shame (New York: Doubleday, 1996).

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the first part of this book, with its summaries of Silvan Tompkins' theories about shame, interesting but not all that new or useful to me (as a person and as a therapist). The affect of shame is central to identity development: check. Shame is a wound inflicted from within: check. Shame is the source of narcissistic injuries: check. Shame is activated when your hopes/expectations for a significant other or for yourself are suddenly thwarted or exposed as wrong: check.

The second half, about treating shame-related problems, was more useful to me. Therapy as reparenting, etc.

I liked the author's assertion that psychoanalytic theory is really just one of many "linguistic systems" used to describe our inner experiences. It has its own vocabulary, its own strengths and limitations. Nice.

[Robin Adler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for therapists, shame underlies a vast number of psychological issues. Fascinating ideas, kind of shook up my own concept of how to be in session with clients.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book that I have ever read that shines the light on the negative psychological effects of shame on the human psyche. It delves deeper into the human cognitions and affects and the deleterious consequences of being bound by shame spiral. Truly fascinating book. The other two books by Gershen, The dynamics of power, and Shame: the Power of caring, are my to read list. Gershen Kaufman is my hero now.

[Sabina-Nicoleta Furtună (Sally) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A first part that renders Tompkin's work. A second part with brief mentions of shame-based syndromes treatment. A third part dealing with contemporary shame problems. As interesting as it was at times I somehow felt duped by the title. I was expecting a thorough treatment description, but that was just me. Who would want to give away the secrets to their profession in a book, right?

[Povilas Kimutis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pros: phenomenological appraoch, important concepts like scenes, scenarios, affects, drives,needs integrated into a coherent system. Great overview of the literature at that time.
Cons: lacking in detail when it comes to descriptions of syndromes. A lot of the new concepts are just old terms renamed.
To sum up: a great exploration of importance of shame in identity formation and a not-so-successful try to invent a new language for psychology.

[Amenah.☘︎ ݁˖ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good read. Took me long time to finish it, maybe because i felt assured and attacked at the same time? It has opened a path for forgotten memories made the reading quite uncomfortable and simultaneously hard for comprehension, agreed with him in a lot and disagreed on another points .. confusing, or maybe that’s only my experience.
I am happy for finishing it felt like a burden on my shoulder.