Abstract
Self-conscious emotions such as shame and guilt are elicited by cognitive processes primarily regarding the self (Tracy & Robins, 2006). Guilt is often attributed to unstable and controllable factors and, in interpersonal situations, generally results in reparative behaviour. In this study, university students (n=270; 163 females, mean age=20.98 yrs) textually described a personal situation in which they experienced body-related guilt. Six coders read the narratives and, using an inductive approach of content analysis, developed first and second order codes. Finally, higher order themes were identified along the dimensions of context / triggers, cognitions, and behaviours. The primary triggers of body-related guilt involved eating and exercise behaviours, with other themes for triggers including: drinking behaviour, appearance, downward comparison to others, identity incongruence, and athletic situations. However, beyond the triggers, many people did not report cognitions or reparative behaviours. When reported, themes for cognitions included: regret, negative thoughts, rationalizations, desire to change and lack of self-control. The themes for behaviours included: attempts to change behaviours, seeking social support, and avoidance. The data suggests that most guilt experiences were associated with lifestyle behaviours, with little evidence of reparative behaviours. Further research should use interview methods to carefully document the experiences of body-related guilt.Acknowledgments: Supported by a SSHRC grant to the last author.