Shame in psychology is a self-conscious feeling that develops in individuals when they feel as though they have not met the expectations of their own or others and in most cases; individuals are likely to feel useless or inadequate. Shame is more deeply related to identity, unlike guilt, which is concentrated on certain actions (I did something wrong).
As an example, a student who has failed an exam might experience guilt because he or she has not studied enough but when he or she perceives this failure as evidence that he/she is stupid he or she feels a sense of shame. Research indicates that withdrawal, secrecy, and self-criticism are some of the related factors with shame, and it has been attributed to the development of depression, anxiety, and relationship problems. But shame can also be used as a mark of self-reflection and development when handled in supporting conditions. Shame is central to therapy because the less intense it is, the more people tend to become healthier in their self-acceptance and strength.