Shame: Theory, Therapy, Theology

by Stephen Pattison

• ISBN13: 9780521560450
• ISBN10: 0521560454
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2000-11-06
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

Stephen Pattison considers the nature of shame as it is discussed in the diverse discourses of literature, psychology, psychoanalysis, philosophy, history and sociology and concludes that 'shame' is not a single unitary phenomenon, but rather a set of separable but related understandings in different discourses. Situating chronic shame primarily within the metaphorical ecology of defilement, pollution and toxic unwantedness, Pattison goes on to examine the causes and effects of shame. He then considers the way in which Christianity has responded to and used shame. Psychologists, philosophers, theologians and therapists will find this a fascinating source of insight, and it will be of particular use to pastoral workers and those concerned with religion and mental health.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Introduction	1	(17)
PART 1 APPROACHING SHAME
Introduction: establishing a theoretical orientation	18	(3)
Emotional confusion	21	(18)
Problems in approaching shame	39	(30)
PART II ENCOUNTERING SHAME
Overview of Part II	66	(3)
The ecology of shame	69	(24)
Chronic shame	93	(17)
Some effects and implications of chronic shame	110	(21)
Aspects of the socio-historical significance of shame	131	(23)
Dealing with shame: the task of integration	154	(35)
Summary: towards a working understanding of shame	181	(5)
PART III SHAME AND CHRISTIANITY
Introduction: bringing Christianity into the picture	186	(3)
Modern Christian responses to shame	189	(40)
Shame in Christianity	229	(46)
Towards more adequate approaches to shame	275	(35)
Epilogue	310	(7)
Bibliography	317	(18)
Index	335