Shame in borderline, antisocial and narcissistic personality disorders: Theoretical conceptualizations and empirical findings

Abstract

Shame is a self-conscious emotion that can be named psychological pain. The consensus is that shame has adaptive and maladaptive aspects. In other words, although shame warns individuals about the loss of their social position, its experience could lead to different types of psychopathology, namely personality pathology. The aim of the current study was (1) to explore the theoretical perspectives about the association between shame and personality disorders and (2) to investigate the congruency of empirical findings with the aforesaid theories. By conducting a narrative review of the most significant references existing in the literature, we found that most of the theories and studies were about cluster B personality disorders (and in particular, about borderline, antisocial, and narcissistic personality disorders). Shame plays a distinct role in the development and maintenance of the above-said personality disorders. The most notable difference is related to the level of consciousness in which shame is processed. Moreover, particularly in the relationship between shame, grandiose narcissism, psychopathy, and antisocial personality disorder, inconsistencies among theories and empirical findings were observed. Experiencing shame could have enduring impacts on individuals' mental health. When shame is internalized, it may lead to the development of personality disorders in different ways and patterns.