ABSTRACT
Most children who live through traumatic events do not develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Guilt, shame, and anger also play a central role in the proposed symptomatology of complicated traumatic reactions which is currently undergoing investigation. The ability to recognize guilt, shame, and anger among child and adolescent trauma survivors can be critical in developing an understanding of their traumatic experiences, reestablishing their emotional equilibrium, and restoring a sense of self-worth. Guilt derives from awareness of pain caused to others due to thoughts, feelings, or actions or failures of action that violate internal moral standards concerning interactions with others. Like guilt, shame results from the perceived violation of social norms or personal standards. Shame and guilt are both associated with attributions of self-blame, which is often considered a maladaptive reaction to trauma. Shame, guilt, and anger feelings are not always fully expressed by survivors of traumatic events.
