EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF SELF-CONSCIOUS EMOTIONS: THE ROLE OF SHAME AND GUILT IN DEPRESSION AMONG ALBANIAN STUDENTS
EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF SELF-CONSCIOUS EMOTIONS: THE ROLE OF SHAME AND GUILT IN DEPRESSION AMONG ALBANIAN STUDENTS

Summary/Abstract: Objectives. The purpose of this study was to examine the distinct correlations between shame, guilt, and depressive symptoms in Albanian students. Self-conscious emotions, particularly the shame and the guilt, play a significant role in how individuals evaluate themselves and interact with the others. When experienced intensely or chronically, these emotions have been linked to various forms of psychopathology, including depression. In exploring these variable relations, this study aims to clarify the unique contributions of shame and guilt to the depressive symptomatology in the emerging adulthood. The current research seeks to enhance the understanding of shame and guilt and their distinct psychological impacts and contribute to refining the psychological models of the emotional regulation and distress. Material and methods. A total of 349 students, aged 18 to 28, participated in this study, taking into consideration that this age range represents a pivotal stage of emerging adulthood marked by significant identity development, emotional regulation challenges and increased susceptibility to self-conscious emotions and mental health issues. The Test of Self-Conscious Affect (TOSCA-3) was used in order to assess shame and guilt-proneness, and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was administered with the aim to evaluate the severity of the depressive symptoms. Statistical analysis focused on correlations between these variables. Results. The results revealed a significant positive correlation between the shame and the depressive symptoms, meaning that the students who experienced higher levels of shame also reported more severe depressive symptoms. Conversely, the guilt was also associated with depression, but this correlation was less pronounced compared to shame. Conclusions. The findings highlight the critical role of shame in the development of the depressive symptoms, illustrating how the pervasive feelings of the inadequacy may undermine the mental well-being. The study emphasizes the need for the mental health interventions that specifically target shame-proneness to mitigate its detrimental impact on the depression in emerging adults, promoting the emotional resilience.

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