On being angry at oneself

Abstract

The phenomenon of self‐anger has been overlooked in the contemporary literature on emotion. This is a failing we should seek to remedy. In this paper I provide the first effort towards a philosophical characterization of self‐anger. I argue that self‐anger is a genuine instance of anger and that, as such, it is importantly distinct from the negative self‐directed emotions of guilt and shame. Doing so will uncover a potentially distinctive role for self‐anger in our moral psychology, as one of the strongest affective motivators for self‐change.

Micro‐sequences of anger and shame and non‐suicidal self‐injury in youth: an ecological momentary assessment study

“…Increased shame following NSSI could add to difficulties coping with other challenging emotional states and exacerbate mental health symptoms. (Gilbert et al., 1994; Silva, 2022).…”

“…These differences could arise from subtle differences between the emotional constructs of shame and anger at self. Anger at self can be mislabeled as shame or guilt but is a distinct emotion with separate phenomenology and functions (Silva, 2022). Shame is thought to involve a sense of deflation and lack of capability, whereas anger at self may bring out feelings of emboldening for actions (Gilbert et al., 1994; Silva, 2022).…”

“…Anger at self can be mislabeled as shame or guilt but is a distinct emotion with separate phenomenology and functions (Silva, 2022). Shame is thought to involve a sense of deflation and lack of capability, whereas anger at self may bring out feelings of emboldening for actions (Gilbert et al., 1994; Silva, 2022). Thus, anger at self could be more potent in precipitating actions, including NSSI, than shame.…”

“…Although anger at self and shame are both self‐referential emotional states that may arise in response to similar circumstances (e.g., regrettable behavior or traits), they appear to have distinct phenomenology and aims (Silva, 2022). Similarly to anger at others, anger at self is experienced as an activating or emboldening experience fueled by a desire to challenge and confront (Ellsworth & Tong, 2006; Silva, 2022). Shame is often described as a disempowering negative sense of self and experience of deflation and may trigger avoidance behavior (Gilbert, Pehl, & Allan, 1994; Silva, 2022).…”

“…Similarly to anger at others, anger at self is experienced as an activating or emboldening experience fueled by a desire to challenge and confront (Ellsworth & Tong, 2006; Silva, 2022). Shame is often described as a disempowering negative sense of self and experience of deflation and may trigger avoidance behavior (Gilbert, Pehl, & Allan, 1994; Silva, 2022). These subtle but important distinctions between anger at self and shame warrant examining their relationships with NSSI in youth separately.…”