Healthy guilt is a warning signal that
either something dangerous is about to happen or something has already happened
that need{{U}} (21) {{/U}}. A feeling of distress is good when it keeps
us from{{U}} (22) {{/U}}our own values. It serves a useful function.
Here is a(n){{U}} (23) {{/U}}: If a fire broke out in someone's home{{U}}
(24) {{/U}}faulty wiring, he would not be content with{{U}} (25)
{{/U}}putting out the fire. {{U}}(26) {{/U}}, he would have the
house rewired. When we feel guilty about something, we have to make the
necessary changes in our character to prevent a{{U}} (27)
{{/U}}. Unhealthy guilt is a distressful feeling which occurs without reason or persists even after appropriate steps have been taken to deal with a situation. A person with{{U}} (28) {{/U}}self-esteem may react to feelings of guilt, one of two ways: {{U}}(29) {{/U}}that he has done wrong in order to protect his fragile ego; or experience the feeling as a{{U}} (30) {{/U}}that he is just an unworthy person. An example involves the case of Mr. L. He has a{{U}} (31) {{/U}}with Mr. Y and exchanges angry words. Later that day, Mr. Y gets sick. Mr. L may feel that he was the{{U}} (32) {{/U}}of Mr. Y's misfortune. Mr. L feels unwarranted guilt for the misfortune and thinks that his angry feelings caused the misfortune. This is irrational thinking and is{{U}} (33) {{/U}}of pathological guilt. When people do research on a particular challenge and make a decision, the decision may{{U}} (34) {{/U}}unfavorable consequences. Feeling distress and pain is normal. However, feeling guilty over the idea that you caused the consequences is unhealthy. As long as a decision is made with proper advice and with good intent, then the person remains morally right{{U}} (35) {{/U}}having made the decision. There is no reason for guilt. |