A concept analysis of shame in the field of nursing

Abstract

Aim: The study aimed to conceptually define "shame" within the field of nursing.

Background: Many nurses sometimes experience and struggle with shame in their professional lives. It reduces their sense of self-worth and hampers emotional well-being and efficacy at work.

Design: The conceptual analysis was performed using Walker and Avant's method.

Data sources: We searched using Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection databases for literature published between 1980 and 2020.

Review methods: We searched for keywords "shame," "nurse," and "nursing," with the condition that the keywords must be included in the title or abstract.

Results: Shame in the nursing field was defined as a negative emotion, an experience of self-blame and anger, an emotion accompanied by social anxiety, loneliness, and influenced by society and culture. Shame in the nursing field has three antecedents: negative evaluation, the involvement of others, and social and affiliated-group norms. Consequences of shame in nursing include decreased senses of self-esteem and self-efficacy, escape through defense mechanisms, depressive states, and alleviation of distress through reaffirmation of self-promotion and reflection leading to personal growth.

Conclusions: We clarified the significance of self, others, others' evaluations, and differences in socio-cultural contexts while defining shame.

Keywords: concept analysis; nurses; shame.