Guilt: an emotion under suspicion

Nowadays, both among psychologists and in large social groups, there is a w ide acceptance of the idea that guilt feelings are something culturally con ditioned, with mostly negative effects on the individual, without any other function apart from that of social control. It is seen as something, thus, that we would be better off without and replace it -in any case- with a ra tional judgment on actions. In this article by reviewing the main studies r egarding its effects, its functions, and the influence of culture upon it, we will analyze to what extent this outlook on guilt is justified.