Guilt (Human Factors) — YouTube from the CEC Library

Guilt is the result of something you did or thought about doing. It refers to the responsibility assigned to a person for an act that caused material, moral, or spiritual harm to themselves or another person. In psychology, the feeling of guilt is the suffering produced by reevaluating past behavior one considers reprehensible. Guilt may arise when you think about doing something, during the action, or afterward. It often results from a lack of clarity about what one is doing, creating great emotional conflict.

For example, when buying two gifts, you may think one is better than the other. If both people are present, you may feel guilty for giving the gift you consider better. However, the person who received the "inferior" gift may be very happy, while the other may not like the gift you preferred as much. This shows that we cannot predict other people's reactions, because each person is a variable. We can always apologize and review our actions.

Guilt can eat away at a person and even turn into a chronic physical illness. It does not arise only when you commit an act; it is always present, manifesting at different intensities. Like fear, guilt is within you and can intensify in certain situations. Our inner judge needs to be reconsidered. If you are a calm person, you may forgive yourself easily. But if your inner judge is severe, you may blame yourself constantly. We need an inner mediator or guide who helps us improve and achieve positive results.

When we speak of guilt in a religious context, the situation becomes more serious. Guilt can become eternal when associated with divine judgment. Guilt also has a spiritual aspect and may attract spiritual harassment. Harassing spirits can intensify the feeling of guilt, causing turmoil, headaches, and back pain.