Etymologically ‘guilt’ denotes the violation of a rule, causing a debt or penalty. In Judeo-Christian tradition it was considered to be a result of sin. In both cases, the focus is on the act. Psychology has shifted its focus from act to feelings towards oneself (Banmen, 1988, p. 79). Psychologically it is an emotional response to a wrongdoing that combines anxiety, regret and remorse (Strelan, 2007, p. 261).
In a self-evaluation process following guilt, one recognizes one’s behaviour as morally wrong (Banmen, 1988, p. 79). This evaluation is more specific than pride or shame. For example guilt prompts one to say ‘I did something bad’ whereas shame prompts one to say ‘I am bad’. Hence, guilt is not a strong independent prediction of unhealthy self-esteem like shame or pride (Brown & Marshall, 2001, p. 581).
Sometimes guilt even positively enhances self-esteem. Guilt leads to rectification of failure and prevention of such an occurrence in the future (Lewis, 2008, p. 748). Factors associated with guilt, like amendment of wrongdoing (e.g., apologizing, constructive discussions), increased empathy or awareness of another’s distress, are helpful for self-esteem (Strelan, 2007, p. 261). This positive mode of specific self-evaluation and specific self-attribution related to a wrongdoing is ‘authentic guilt’, which enhances authentic self-esteem (Mruk, 2006b, p. 77).
Guilt could also be destructive to self-esteem. The American Psychiatric Association (2013) in DSM-5 points to excessive, inappropriate and delusional guilt as a symptom of major depressive disorder (p.161) and manic-hypomanic episodes (p.150). Both these pathologies are extremely well correlated with self-esteem issues. In the interpersonal setting, there can be such types of maladaptive guilt as survivor guilt, separation/disloyalty guilt, omnipotent-responsibility guilt and self-hate guilt (O’Connor et al., 1997, pp. 73–76).
The opposite extreme to excessive guilt is ‘no guilt’. American Psychiatric Association (2013) finds lack of guilt over the negative or harmful effects of one’s actions on others to be a symptom of antisocial personality disorders (p.764). Narcissists are also unlikely to feel guilty (Strelan, 2007, p. 262). Both these personality disorders stem from inflated self-esteem. Therefore, lack of appropriate guilt also represents unhealthy self-esteem. In short, an authentic and appropriate guilt assure healthy self-esteem. But any excessive, irrational, inappropriate or delusional guilt or lack of appropriate guilt for a harm committed against oneself, to others or to God is a sign of unhealthy self-esteem.