In this ambitious new work, Frank Broucek explores the affect of shame--its functions, and its relationship to sexuality, self, and others. With a special focus on the relationship between shame and self-objectification, he proposes an innovative new theory that links shame to our sense of self from early development through maturity. In exploring this theme, Broucek--a psychoanalytically trained psychiatrist--breaks new ground in understanding the development of the self, establishing a perspective on narcissism that differs markedly from traditional psychoanalytic concepts.
An illuminating overview of the modern literature precedes a provocative analysis of the role of shame in the formation of the self. Here, Broucek identifies the three major sources of shame: the infant's experiences of interpersonal inefficacy; self-objectification resulting in a kind of self-alienation or primary dissociation; and the experience of being unloved, rejected, or scapegoated by important others. In the course of development, these vectors cause the self's overinvestment in the idealized self-image and a devaluation of the actual self, an event explored in depth in the chapter on narcissism.
Broucek also addresses the role of shame in psychoanalysis and in society. The neglect of this emotion in psychoanalytic theory and technique, the author contends, results from a critical lack of understanding of shame and its effect--potentially adverse--on the practice of psychotherapy. Finally, Broucek's analysis of widespread shamelessness in modern times logically extends the ideas presented earlier.
Maintaining a critical balance in its coverage and interpretation, SHAME AND THE SELF marks a significant contribution to the understanding of the nature of shame and its role in our psychic life. As such, it is essential reading for all practicing psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other mental health practitioners.

Reviews

Well written, informative, and easy [for me] to recommend to readers across the range of mental health professions....Broucek's proposals [are] logical and persuasive....His warnings to therapists command attention....[A] valuable addition[s] to the rapidly growing literature on shame...I highly recommend [this book].--Joseph D. Lichtenberg in The Psychoanalytic Quarterly

Broucek's book is an imaginative and forthright discussion of an extremely powerful and painful phenomenon. As the author suggests, it may be this very intensity of feeling associated with shame that has paradoxically caused a lack of attention to the subject (until recently) in psychoanalytic literature. Broucek contends that psychoanalysts have ignored shame because of their own vulnerabilities to it--both personally and because shame is an almost inevitable component of the standard psychotherapeutic relationship...The necessary balance between shame and shamelessness that Broucek ultimately proposes provides an impressive conclusion to this important book.--Jon G. Allen, Ph.D., Section Editor, Review in Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic
- ...well written, informative, and easy to recommend....[A] valuable addition to the rapidly growing literature on shame. --Psychoanalytic Quarterly, 4/28/1991

Book Information
ISBN 9780898624441
Author Francis J. Broucek
Format Hardback
Page Count 167
Imprint Guilford Publications
Publisher Guilford Publications
Weight(grams) 380g