Conference paper

SHAME AND COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Darko Marčinko ; Department of Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, University Hospital Center Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Vedran Bilić ; Department of Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, University Hospital Center Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Marija Eterović ; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Optimal psychic response during the COVID-19 pandemic is the result of many different factors. One of the main factors is the
psychodynamic understanding of essential emotions such as shame. Despite the immense effort by health workers to address stressand
trauma-related disorders in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, a large proportion of the people affected by the disorder do
not have information regarding the emotion of shame. Lack of mentalizing capacity implies disturbed shame dynamics. The
therapeutic relationship and optimal alliance offer the frame for acceptance of shame as useful for psychological growth. Empathy
should be a cure for dysfunctional shame, at the individual or social level. We believe that including a psychodynamic approach in
the national public and mental health emergency system will empower national prevention strategies.

Keywords

shame; COVID-19 pandemic; psychodynamic; mentalization, narcissism

Hrčak ID:

271860

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/271860

Publication date:

19.10.2021.

Visits: 628 *