FEATURES OF EXPERIENCING GUILT IN PEOPLE WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF PERSONAL MATURITY

Abstract

The study covers theoretical and empirical analysis of modern scientific approaches and theories concerning problems of individual’s precursors of feeling guilty. Personality maturity mentioned as a possible predictor of individual differences in experiencing guilt. Differences between guilt and guilt proneness are emphasized. Guilt proneness is a personality trait that is associated with predisposition to prosocial behavior. Guilt on the other hand is an uncomfortable moral emotion that can discourage the optimal functioning and well-being of an individual. Sixty two participants ages from 21 to 55 years reported in a survey their own level of personality and emotional maturity, and differences in guilt and guilt proneness. The personality maturity was measured by “Questionnaire of personality maturity” (Shtepa O.S.), “Test of personality maturity” (Ruzhenkov V.A. etc.) and “Test of emotional maturity” (Kocharyan O.S. etc.). The level of guilt and guilt proneness was investigated by “Test of Self-Conscious Affect” (Tangney J.P.) and “Guilt Inventory” (Kugler K.E.). Findings of the study revealed that individuals with low personality maturity tend to guilt proneness as well as to feeling guilt. The study demonstrated negative correlations between guilt and emotional maturity, live philosophy, creativity, positive thinking and self-development; guilt proneness and emotional maturity, responsibility, live philosophy, sociability, self-acceptance, positive thinking and empathy. The original research hypothesis was confirmed and the findings demonstrate that there is an association between guilt proneness, guilt and personality and emotional maturity.