D. Shame and Guilt. The following are working definitions of adult shame and guilt. For children these emotions may emerge in more subtle and diffuse ways. Guilt is the uncomfortable or painful feeling that results from doing something we think is wrong. Guilt concerns behavior.
Guilt seems to be correctable or forgivable.
Shame is the uncomfortable or painful feeling when we realize that a part of us is defective, bad or a failure. We feel shame for being not doing. There seems to be no way out of shame. Shame and other emotions become demands or pressures on the speech motor system which exacerbate stuttering behavior and interfere with recovery at all age levels. When stuttering is met only with messages to do better, to work harder, and use speech techniques more with no acceptance of failure, then guilt and shame are increased.