Guilt
A response to a specific action judged wrong, oriented toward repair rather than hiding.
unpleasantmoderate activation
How it shows up
Guilt follows an act judged wrong: a harsh word, a broken promise, a task neglected. It often brings replaying the moment and an urge to apologize, make amends, or fix things. Many researchers see it as one of the more constructive self-conscious feelings, because it points toward repair rather than hiding. It concerns a specific action, which separates it from shame's verdict on the whole self.
How it differs from Shame
Guilt says the action was wrong and leans toward repair; shame says the self is wrong and leans toward hiding.
Notice
When guilt arises, notice whether it is focused on something you did or on who you are.
Where it is felt
Felt most in the chest, stomach and face.
Based on Nummenmaa et al. (2014), bodily maps of emotions, and related research. The map shows where people report bodily sensation, on average; individual experience varies.