Shame-proneness and its correlates in couples

Abstract

The study assessed the relationships between three TOSCA-3 (Test of Self-Conscious Affect; Tangney, 1990) subscales (shame-proneness, guilt-proneness, and externalization), and the following variables: stress, anxiety, depression, fear of intimacy, and attachment style in a sample of 68 heterosexual couples in committed relationships. Within-subject and within-dyad correlations were computed. Results confirmed a low to moderate connection for depression, anxiety, fear of intimacy and secure attachment. Shame-proneness, externalization, and guilt-proneness were not correlated within couples. The findings also provided further evidence for a differential understanding for some of the variables in each gender.

Keywords

• shame
• heterosexual couples
• connectedness
• dyadic effects