The Role of Guilt and Its Implication in The Treatment of Criminals

Abstract

There is lack of consensus concerning the role of guilt regarding its therapeutic effect in the professional literature. This article attempts to indicate how guilt focused on the impact of an unfair act on a loved one can serve as an incentive for change in the treatment of criminals. Frequently the professional literature maintains that guiltwith this focus-is incompatible with guilt that focuses on one's self. The authors strongly believe that guilt can serve as a guide to moral action, since guilt reduction can be achieved by altruistic behaviour, which is incompatible with crime.