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Geher, Glenn, Holmes, Tabitha, Wice, Matthew
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Spring 2025
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2025-05
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Bansal_Thesis.pdf
Adobe PDF, 318.43 KB
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Abstract
Self-harm is traditionally viewed as a physical manifestation. This study aims to broaden the
scope of what constitutes self-harming behavior and the role that guilt, and redemption can play
on it. The study explores non-traditional forms of self-harm, termed as culturally acceptable
forms of self-harm, like over-working, procrastination, intentional absence of self-care etc.
Specifically, it examines the role of guilt and redemption in motivating individuals to engage in
aversive experiences (aversive sound). Participants underwent a guilt-inducing manipulation and
were subsequently asked to listen to an unpleasant audio stimulus. It was hypothesized that (1)
participants offered a chance for redemption would endure the aversive sound for a shorter
duration than those not offered redemption, and (2) engaging in the aversive task would reduce
feelings of guilt across all participants. Guilt was measured using the Guilt and Shame
Questionnaire (GSQ-8) twice, before the guilt-inducing manipulation, and post the aversive
audio phase. A t-test indicated that participants who were given a chance for redemption listened
to the aversive audio for a significantly shorter duration than those who were not given a chance
for redemption. An ANCOVA analysis, controlling for initial guilt scores showed a significant
effect of condition on final guilt, with participants in both conditions reporting reduced guilt
levels post-task, and those in the neutral condition reporting a greater reduction. These findings
suggest that engaging in culturally acceptable aversive behaviors may serve a guilt-alleviating
function, and that perceived opportunities for redemption may modulate the extent of such selfdirected
harm.
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