The correlation between guilt and shame to quality of life – gender, cultural and general population

Sammanfattning: The aim of this study is to bridge the gap between two emotions, guilt, and shame, and their interplay with perceived physical, psychological, social, and emotional well-being among healthy adults. Hence, we set out to examine how guilt and shame relate to health-related quality of life. To reach this conclusion, the study examines 5 hypotheses based on gender, culture, and the general population. In addition, the study explores coping strategies some may employ. The study sample population was drawn from South Africa and Europe (n = 85, average age = 33 years, 60% women, 38.8% men, and 1.2% other). An online survey based on the validated GSQ-8 and SF-36v questionnaires was used to collect the data. Results of the study have concluded that there is a negative relationship between HRQOL and guilt and shame and that guilt and shame have a negative relationship with Health-related quality of life, indicating that individuals who experience a great deal of guilt or shame will suffer from a reduction in quality of life, and vice versa. Therefore, Guilt and Shame appear to have a positive correlation with HRQOL subscales. Shame and Guilt scores did not differ significantly by gender. It is imperative that future research studies include a broader sample and a more comprehensive analysis of causal factors. Feelings of guilt and shame can be powerful motivators, but when they can become a silent burden that weighs us down, leading to decreased quality of life and a range of negative health outcomes.