The psychology of shame. - Gershen Kaufman

The dramatic acceleration in recent years of borderline, addictive, abusing and eating disorders has moved shame into the spotlight. No other affect is more central to identity formation and hence to mental health. In "The Psychology of Shame", Gershen Kaufman synthesizes object-relations, interpersonal and affect theories, to provide a powerful and multidimensional view of this pivotal emotion. Making liberal use of clinical case material throughout the book, Dr Kaufman illustrates the application of affect theory to six general classes of shame-based syndromes: compulsive; schizoid; depressive and paranoid; phobic; sexual dysfunction; splitting; and sociopathic and psychopathic. In addition, he focuses on many specific syndromes that are facing practitioners today - from bulimia to borderline personality disorders. "The Psychology of Shame" presents a new and comprehensive developmental theory of shame, identity and the self. Key chapters on specific treatment strategies and interventions should make it particularly useful in clinical practice.