Definition Essay: What Is The Purpose Of Guilt?

Guilt is a small word, yet the destructive power behind it can completely affect and alter one’s actions. It is a feeling that may consume our thoughts, and for most people, it is not easy to get away from. We try hard to avoid it, and when it’s impossible to get away from it, we try to get rid of the feeling as quickly as possible, occasionally by trying to put blame on others. Whether it was people who contributed to the wrongdoing, or the bystanders who did not come to the victim’s rescue, it’s easiest to share the blame and know that there are others that feel the same remorse; it’s comforting to know that we are not alone in the way we feel. This has become what therapists call the “hot-potato syndrome.” However, on the other hand, we also seek absolution. We want to know that we’re not bad, or at least not completely. However, like various painful emotions, guilt is actually extremely important to our well-being as it plays a pivotal role in the way our morals are shaped and cultivated. It is defined as a feeling of responsibility or remorse for some offense, crime, wrongdoing, etc., whether real or imagined. Still, everyone has a different way of

We often feel guilt when we break rules, not necessarily because it is hurting others, but because it is explicitly stated that we should not do it. Some theorists think this is at the core of guilt's purpose: it's evolutionarily helpful because it keeps us morally aware -- obeying the codes of ethic and behavior set by those around us, rather than rebelling and causing potential problems. Back in 2007, The American Psychological Association conducted research where it concluded that guilt is such a powerfully unpleasant emotion for many of us that it acts as an effective restraint to do wrong because when we feel guilty about something, we're most likely not going to want to do it