Self-reproach

Self-reproach is the act of criticizing oneself, often silently, for a perceived wrongdoing, failure, or shortcoming. It involves feelings of guilt, regret, and shame stemming from one's own actions or inactions. The intensity of self-reproach can range from mild disappointment to severe self-condemnation, significantly impacting self-esteem and mental well-being. It differs from external criticism in that the source of the judgment is internal, reflecting one's own standards and values and is typically aimed at personal growth and change, unlike its antonym which is self-complacency.

Self-reproach meaning with examples

• After snapping at her friend, Sarah was consumed by self-reproach. She replayed the hurtful words in her mind, feeling deeply ashamed of her outburst. Sleep evaded her as feelings of guilt and remorse intensified, wishing she could take back her words and repair the damaged friendship. The weight of her behavior cast a shadow over her day and her emotional state.
• John's missed deadline triggered a wave of self-reproach. He berated himself for poor time management and lack of focus, visualizing the negative impact his failure would have on the project team. These thoughts intensified his self-reproach, leaving him demotivated and struggling to move forward with additional tasks or even small steps towards success.
• Upon seeing the homeless man, Emily experienced a sudden surge of self-reproach. She realized her own privilege and questioned her lack of action to help those less fortunate. This realization deepened her emotional struggle. She began to review her own actions, wondering what more she could be doing to alleviate the suffering around her.
• The artist felt overwhelming self-reproach after destroying a piece of art. The realization of destroying a piece she put her heart and soul into, made the artist's emotional state decline rapidly. This self-reproach was driven by a personal standard of perfection. Despite knowing that perfection is unattainable, she battled with the idea of it day and night.
• Even after winning the race, the athlete wrestled with self-reproach, convinced she could have run faster. She focused on areas where she perceived a shortfall, minimizing her own achievement. This constant self-criticism, though fueling her drive, also undermined her ability to enjoy success, causing an emotional imbalance.