Beyond the eye: effect of guilt and redemption on hidden self-harm

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.