The Power of Guilt
Why We Feel It and Its Surprising Ability to Heal
Book •
In The Power of Guilt, developmental psychologist Chris Moore argues that guilt is fundamentally relational: it signals possible harm to relationships and motivates repair.
Drawing on research and personal experience, he traces guilt’s developmental roots in early empathy and conscience, explains individual and cultural variations, and examines guilt in parenting, caregiving, law, and collective contexts.
Moore discusses apology, forgiveness, and restorative justice as mechanisms that resolve guilt and mend relationships, and cautions against guilt being used as a tool of control.
He reframes guilt as an often uncomfortable but beneficial emotion that, when acknowledged and acted upon, can strengthen bonds and promote moral growth.
The book blends scientific evidence, real-world examples, and memoir to make a case for befriending guilt rather than simply trying to eliminate it.
Drawing on research and personal experience, he traces guilt’s developmental roots in early empathy and conscience, explains individual and cultural variations, and examines guilt in parenting, caregiving, law, and collective contexts.
Moore discusses apology, forgiveness, and restorative justice as mechanisms that resolve guilt and mend relationships, and cautions against guilt being used as a tool of control.
He reframes guilt as an often uncomfortable but beneficial emotion that, when acknowledged and acted upon, can strengthen bonds and promote moral growth.
The book blends scientific evidence, real-world examples, and memoir to make a case for befriending guilt rather than simply trying to eliminate it.
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Matt Galloway
Why you shouldn’t feel guilty about feeling guilty
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Debbie Sorensen
453. The Power of Guilt with Chris Moore
