Transforming Shame in the Pandemic: An International Study.

Journal: Frontiers in psychology

Volume: 12

Issue: 

Year of Publication: 

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa. Global Institute for Transcultural Research, Römerberg, Germany.

Abstract summary 

Shame is an unconscious, somehow unattended and neglected emotion and occurs when individual and socio-cultural norms are violated. It often impacts negatively on the self and others across cultures. During the Covid-19 crises, shame has become an important emotion with a powerful effect, depending on how it is experienced within the socio-cultural context. This article explores shame in international perspectives in the context of Covid-19 and addresses the question how shame is transformed from an existential positive psychology (PP2.0) perspective. The study uses a qualitative research paradigm and explores shame and its transformation during Covid-19. Purposeful and snowball sampling was used. The sample consisted of 24 individuals (16 female, 8 male), of 13 different nationalities. Data were collected from written interviews and analyzed through thematic analysis. Ethical considerations were followed; ethical approval was given by a university. Findings show that participants become very worried, anxious, scared, sad, and shocked when they or individuals in their close relationships contracted Covid-19. Shame plays an important role during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the meaning and experience of shame during Covid-19 is strongly dependent on the socio-cultural background of the individual who is experiencing the disease. Individuals use different strategies and mechanisms to deal with and transform shame in the context of Covid-19.

Authors & Co-authors:  Mayer Claude-Hélène CH Vanderheiden Elisabeth E

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations :  Bai Y., Lin C. C., Lin C. Y., Chen J. Y., Chue C. M., Chou P. (2004). Chou survey of stress reactions among health care workers involved with the SARS outbreak. Psychiatric Serv. 55, 1055–1057. 10.1176/appi.ps.55.9.1055
Authors :  2
Identifiers
Doi : 641076
SSN : 1664-1078
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Other Terms
COVID-19;meaning;mental health;positive psychology 2.0;shame;thematic analysis;transforming shame
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Qualitative
Country of Study
Publication Country
Switzerland