Journal of Neuropsychiatry

Abstract

We are all wired to experience shame. We can feel shame about any aspect, attribute, ability, possession, relation, or reflection of ourselves that we consider to be important and, in relation to which, we consider ourselves to be failing or not good enough. Just as it is natural for us to feel pain when our bodies get hurt, it’s natural for us to feel shame when our ‘selves’ get hurt. And, just as it is natural for us to want to avoid what causes us pain, it’s natural for us to want to avoid what causes us to feel shame. What happens to children who grow up ashamed of their learning? What happens to children who grow up ashamed of their minds? This session will present the learning disabling effects that result from children learning to feel ashamed of their minds, of their abilities to learn.