ABSTRACT
Shame is a powerful negative emotion associated with an individual condemning himself or herself rather than focusing on specific undesirable actions that could be improved. It detracts from individual well-being and can interfere with efforts to improve problems in a couple's relationship, as shamed partners tend to withdraw. Shame tends to occur in interpersonal contexts in which the individual either receives or anticipates receiving a very negative evaluation of the self from others. Greater shame is experienced when interactions with others focus the person on a negative evaluation of his or her characteristics such as physical attributes, skills, cognitive abilities, and interpersonal skills. A couple therapists working with Judy and Sam Munro would need to assess and intervene with each partner's shame cognitions and emotions, as well as interactions between partners that are contributing to or maintaining the shame responses. Thus, the therapist would ask each partner about the thoughts and emotions that they experience.
