Shame — the belief that you are fundamentally flawed or unworthy — is one of the most powerful drivers of sport and competition and the primary barrier to seeking help.
How Shame Maintains Sport and Competition
- Shame drives concealment of sport and competition, preventing the help that would reduce it
- Self-blame for sport and competition creates additional psychological burden
- Shame spirals can trigger and worsen sport and competition episodes
- Shame isolates — and isolation is a primary sport and competition amplifier
Shame vs. Guilt in Sport and Competition
Shame ('I am bad/flawed because I have sport and competition'): Drives more sport and competition
Guilt ('My behavior related to sport and competition hurt someone'): Can be productive
Therapy often helps shift from shame to guilt and then to self-compassion.
Building Shame Resilience for Sport and Competition
Brené Brown's shame resilience framework: recognize shame triggers, practice critical awareness, reach out, and share your story — all applicable to sport and competition shame.