Self-chastisement

The act of punishing or reprimanding oneself for perceived faults, mistakes, or moral failures. self-chastisement can manifest as feelings of guilt, self-blame, or self-inflicted stress, often arising from a desire to atone for one's actions. This behavior can serve as a means for individuals to confront their shortcomings and take responsibility, but it may also lead to negative self-perception and mental strain if excessive.

Self-chastisement meaning with examples

After missing an important deadline, Maria engaged in self-chastisement, berating herself for not managing her time better. She spent the entire evening reflecting on her mistakes, vowing never to repeat them, yet her self-criticism left her feeling emotionally drained and less confident in her abilities.
John's innate tendency toward self-chastisement kicked in when he failed to meet his academic goals. He started to question his intelligence and work ethic, even though his friends reassured him that everyone experiences setbacks. Unfortunately, this constant self-punishment obstructed his path to recovery and growth.
Encouraged by a support group, Emily began to recognize how her self-chastisement had negatively impacted her mental health. She committed to transforming her negative self-talk into constructive criticism, offering herself the kindness she instinctively reserved for others rather than descending into self-deprecation.
Tim's self-chastisement after making a social faux pas during a gathering caused him to doubt his ability to connect with people. Instead of processing the incident and learning from it, he stewed in regret, which isolated him from the social circles he once enjoyed.
During therapy, Sarah explored the roots of her self-chastisement. As she revealed her habit of harsh self-judgment to her therapist, she began to understand how this damaging cycle stunted her personal growth, prompting her to practice self-compassion as a healthier alternative.

Self-chastisement Synonyms

asceticism self-blame self-castigation self-condemnation self-correction self-criticism self-denial self-denigration self-discipline self-discipline self-examination self-punishment self-reflection self-regulation self-reprimand self-reproach self-reproval self-restriction self-sabotage self-scrutiny

Self-chastisement Antonyms

self-acceptance self-advocacy self-affirmation self-affirming self-appreciation self-approval self-celebration self-compassion self-confidence self-empowerment self-encouragement self-encouragement self-esteem self-forgiveness self-kindness self-love self-respect self-satisfaction self-support self-trust