Comparing Guilt, Shame, Disgust, and Jealousy Among Individuals with Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, and Healthy Controls

Abstract

Background: Major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia exert complex and far-reaching effects on individuals’ lives. Given the overlap among these three psychiatric conditions, a deeper understanding of the emotions of disgust, jealousy, shame, and guilt is needed. These emotional states remain relatively understudied in psychopathology. Objectives: Accordingly, the present study aimed to compare these emotions among individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and healthy controls. Methods: This study employed a descriptive causal-comparative research design. A total of 160 participants were included, comprising 40 individuals with schizophrenia, 40 with bipolar disorder, 40 with major depressive disorder, and 40 healthy controls. Participants completed the Guilt and Shame Questionnaire, the Jealousy Scale, and the Disgust Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 with one-way ANOVA, analysis of covariance, and chi-square tests. Results: The findings indicated that the mean levels of shame, guilt, disgust, and jealousy was highest in individuals with major depressive disorder, followed by those with schizophrenia, then those with bipolar disorder, and lowest in healthy controls. The effect sizes (η2) were 0.44 for guilt, 0.62 for shame, 0.61 for disgust, and 0.30 for jealousy. Conclusions: Based on the findings of the present study, implementing psychological interventions targeting guilt, shame, jealousy, and disgust in these clinical populations appears warranted. Although the results should be considered preliminary until supported by further research, they offer both theoretical insights and practical implications. Specifically, the findings underscore the potential utility of guilt, shame, jealousy, and disgust as transdiagnostic constructs, informing both the conceptualization and development of targeted psychological interventions.