Scholarly Notes 2/3

Students are expected to contribute to the development of a positive learning environment, and to
demonstrate their innovative learning skills through weekly discussion postings. Discussion
posts should consist of 3 paragraphs including: 5-8 Key Terms or Ideas discussed in
chapters 1-3 (Key Terms and/or Ideas MUST be bolded, underlined and highlighted for
credit), and relate those Key Terms to a current news article, you must attach a photo
(doesn't have to be from the article, but must relate to topic), and you must attach the link
to the article (Must be reliable resources such as CNN, FOX, LA TIMES, VICE, ETC.) NO
IG OR FACEBOOK ARTICLES from unreliable resources allowed.

Guilt is a feeling that can lead to different outcomes based on the amount that individuals feel.
When a person is overwhelmed with guilt, they are more likely to focus their attention on certain
words, such as “fix”, “help” and “please”, which can make others see the person as more
empathetic in social situations. This can lead to parasocial behaviors. For example, someone who
is focused on these words are also visually scanning many faces in a public setting to make sure
no one is disapproving of them. In general, parasocial behaviors are positively viewed in our
society, as the person’s intention is to benefit others. However, it is not necessarily healthy for
someone to feel guilt.

When an individual feels too much guilt, it can lead to depression, social anxiety or
perfectionism. In a study, the researchers aimed to find out if a placebo pill would reduce
feelings of guilt. The study consisted of many parts, first the participants took a questionnaire to
measure their level of guilt, then wrote about a time where they treated someone poorly. This
exercise was a high-loaded task intended to make the person visualize and feel a time when they
felt guilty. Next, they were placed in three groups: deceptive placebo (participants thought it was
an actual drug), open placebo (participants knew it was a placebo), and control (no pill). Last,
they completed the same questionnaire. The results indicated that the deceptive placebo and open
placebo combined were more effective at reducing guilt than no treatment.

Given the results of the study and behaviors that too much guilt can lead to, therapy is
encouraged for individuals who are swamped with guilt. One aspect of treatment may include
cognitive restructuring, which involves noticing thoughts and changing the thinking pattern.
When one has a goal to influence their thought and behaviors, they are using cognitive control,
which can be a powerful tool to overcome feelings of guilt.