A shame-filled inner dialogue includes negative labels about your personality.

Shame worsens physical and mental health and does not motivate others in health-supporting behaviors.

Reduce shame-based thoughts surrounding self-care decisions by cultivating self-compassion.

To combat recent body image struggles, Nancy plans to head to the gym on her way home from work. It was a stressful day and even though she has her gym clothes in the car, at the last minute Nancy decides she just isn’t feeling it. She heads home and relaxes on the couch.

As she slows down, her inner critic speeds up with messages like: “You’re just being lazy,” and “You never follow through with your plans,” and “You always start things but just can’t seem to stick with them.”

Does Nancy’s narrative sound familiar? Do experiences of guilt and shame motivate Nancy to work out or will they ultimately destroy Nancy’s motivation for being more physically active?

First, does Nancy’s narrative represent guilt or shame? If just guilt was involved, Nancy would feel guilty for not going to the gym and then move on. However, Nancy’s inner dialogue goes beyond that single action and includes labels about her personality, suggesting that shame is involved.

Shame seems to be more detrimental than guilt in terms of our mental health. We often experience shame when we believe we are being judged by others. An individual might feel guilty after eating a large meal, whereas when shame is present the individual believes they lack self-control or are flawed in some way.

There’s some evidence that shame........

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