Shame- The Atlantic Monthly

I came across this article on shame by Robert Karen in the bibliography of a presentation on narcissistic wounding and the part it plays in addiction. In his article, Karen includes the historical and social aspects of shame as well as the individual experience. He draws a distinction between "normal" and "pathological" shame.  "Pathological shame is an irrational sense of defectiveness, a feeling not of having crossed the boundary but of having been born there."

The article helped me better frame the concept. Colleagues and clients have appreciated it as well. This is the link to The Full Article.