Guilt and its multidimensionality: empirical approaches using Klein's view

Am J Psychother. 2008;62(2):117-42. doi: 10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.2008.62.2.117.

Abstract

After examining the definitions of persecutory and penitential types of guilt, based on Melanie Klein's view, we developed a single-item measure of these types and examined reliability and validity of the measure in three studies. Concurrent validity of the measure was shown among a university student population using the Test of Self-Conscious Affect-3 as an external validator. The questionnaire was not influenced by a socially desirable response style. Concurrent validity was demonstrated by studying different external variables: the two types of guilt feelings are moderately correlated with each other, but penitential guilt is more strongly correlated to variables related to ego maturation. Test-retest stability is only modest, suggesting that the constructs of measured guilt feelings may fluctuate over time.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Child
  • Female
  • Guilt*
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological
  • Psychological Tests*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Surveys and Questionnaires