Guilt: quick facts
Guilt is a self-conscious emotion that arises when a person believes they have done something wrong or caused harm. Unlike shame, which targets the whole self ('I am bad'), guilt focuses on a specific behaviour ('I did…
Category
Complex & secondary emotions
Valence
Negative
Emotion family / blend
Sadness (self-conscious)
Typical triggers
Believing one has done wrong or caused harm
How it's expressed
Lowered gaze, tension, apology, reparative behaviour
Sources: American Psychological Association — APA Dictionary: emotion; Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley — Emotions. Educational information only — not medical or psychological advice. See our sources & fact-check policy.