ABSTRACT
Etymological inquiries are usually of great psychological interest, for they reveal associations and connections that may assist in psychological interpretation. Etymologists have linked the modern English word "shame" with the Indo-Germanic root kam/kem meaning "to cover". Wurmser described a "guilt-shame dilemma" in which one feels guilty for separating from one's parents and their partially internalized commandments - even though such a separation is crucial for the development of one's personality. Anxiety also plays a large role in relation to shame, as can be seen when the authors speak of the fear of making fools of themselves or of being caught in embarrassing or shameful situations. Guilt and shame are specific aspects of the many-sided phenomenon of anxiety. The most traumatic experiences of shame usually occur in childhood and often leave a sense of emotional defeat that persists for the rest of one's life.
