The Meaning of Shame for Positive Development

The purpose of this introduction is to introduce and discuss the meaning of shame from the positive psychology perspective with special regard to positive development. Shame has previously mainly been researched within the context of being a negatively experienced emotion.
By anchoring shame within the positive psychology paradigm, the presenters aim at emphasising the positive and health-related aspects of shame for personal development across the life span. How shame can contribute to a healthy development and individual growth and flourishing is presented and embedded into selected cultural contexts.
Findings show that shame, if transformed through self and/or others (e.g. family members, teachers, colleagues, friends, therapists, coaches) in certain key situations in life, contributes, if transformed on cognitive, emotional and behavioural levels, towards an inner growth and strength, an increased self-knowledge and self-esteem. Findings present further on new and in-depth knowledge on shame and its transformative force throughout the life span by reconstructing meaning in a person's life.
The symposium provides researchers and practitioners with new ideas to future research on shame. It also provides recommendations for practitioners, e.g. psychologists, therapists, counsellors and even lecturers, to increase awareness regarding transforming shame towards inner growth and development.