Abstract
Using Tracy & Robins' (2004) model of self-conscious emotions, the purpose of this study was to examine (a) physical self-concept (PSC) and shame and guilt proneness as predictors of body-related shame and guilt and (b) the mediating role of specific attributions on the relationship in (a). Based on the model, it was hypothesized that shame would be related to stable, global, and uncontrollable attributions whereas guilt would be related to unstable, specific and controllable attributions. Female participants (N=284; Mean age=20.6 ± 1.9 yrs) completed measures of PSC and shame and guilt proneness before reading a hypothetical scenario designed to elicit a negative body-related emotional response, followed by assessment of state shame and guilt and attributions. Shame proneness and PSC were significant predictors of shame (?=.49; ?=-.11) and guilt (?=.41; ?=-.14). Control attributions mediated the relationship of PSC with shame and guilt and shame-proneness with shame. Global attributions mediated the relationship of shame proneness with shame. Control (?=-.16), stability (?=.16), and global (?=.20) attributions were significant predictors of guilt, while global (?=.30) and control (?=-.19) attributions were significant predictors of shame. The study provides partial support for Tracy & Robins' model for predicting shame, but little support for predicting guilt.Acknowledgments: This research was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada