Honors Theses

Document Type

Thesis

Date of Completion

5-2025

Academic Year

2024-2025

Department

​Behavioral Sciences

Academic Major

Psychology

Faculty Advisor

Jeremiah Sullins, Ph.D.

Abstract

Self-conscious emotions are a select category of emotions which are of special interest in the field of psychology because of the impact they have in the therapy room and beyond. Shame, pride, and guilt are incredibly influential in behavior, self-concept, and many other areas, yet we still know so little about them. This study addresses a gap in the literature regarding the interaction and correlation between proneness to self-conscious emotions and intentions to seek help for mental health issues. The research questions were evaluated using a quasi-experimental survey design utilizing the Test of Self- Conscious Affect (TOSCA) and the General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (GHSQ). The authors found a significant difference in help-seeking intention as a function of the self-conscious emotions of shame, pride, and guilt. Preference for formal and informal sources of help was also examined and found to be significant. The authors discuss the practical applications of this finding within the framework of self-conscious emotion.

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