Shame East and West: similarities, differences, culture, and self

Abstract

Shame is an innate human affect and is also powerfully influenced by culture. This article compares and contrasts shame in China and in America. First, the physiology, development, and experience of shame are discussed. Then, a Western perspective (psychoanalytic object relations theory) is presented followed by a Chinese perspective (interdependent model). Shame in the two cultures is compared and contrasted and empirical research is also presented. The authors’ conclusions include the following: object relations theory is a useful perspective in understanding shame and the development of self in both cultures; shame is viewed more positively in China than in the US and is used more to motivate prosocial behaviour by families and authorities; Americans experience more helplessness and smallness when shamed; Chinese have more desire to repair and feel more responsible for the shameful incident; Chinese are more likely to feel vicarious shame or guilt when someone they are connected to commits a shameful act; Lewis’ American shame model effectively distinguishes shame from guilt for Americans but does not clearly differentiate the two for Chinese, while Xie’s Chinese self afflicted/other afflicted model does so. The article concludes with suggestions for future research and implications for clinical practice.