240eMotion r eGulation Handout 11  (p. 9 of 9)
Guil T
Guilt FITS  THE  FACTS  of a situation whenever:
a. Your behavior violates your own values or moral code.
B. Other example:                                    
Follow these suggestions when both  guilt and shame  
are NOT  JUSTIFIED  by the facts or are NOT  EFFECTIVE :
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oppoSiTe acTionS  for Guilt
Do the OPPOSITE  of your action urges. For example:
1. MAKE PUBLIC your personal characteristics or your behavior (with people who won’t 
reject you).
2. REPEAT  the behavior that sets off guilt over and over (without hiding the behavior from 
those who won’t reject you).
all- The-Way o ppoSiTe acTionS for Guilt
3. NO APOLOGIZING  or trying to make up for a perceived transgression.
4. TAKE IN all the information from the situation.
5. CHANGE  YOUR  BODY  POSTURE. Look innocent and proud. Lift your head; “puff up” 
your chest; maintain eye contact. Keep your voice tone steady and clear.
Follow these suggestions when guilt is NOT  JUSTIFIED  by the facts or is NOT  EFFECTIVE  
but SHAME  IS JUSTIFIED  (you will be rejected by people you care about if found out):
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