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From Shame to Aggression and Anger Rumination: The Mediating Role of Shame Aversion and Fear of Compassion in Individuals with Emotional Problems

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

10.30476/smsj.2026.105433.1597

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to examine the relationship among shame, aggression, and anger rumination in individuals with emotional problems, with a focus on the mediating roles of shame aversion and fear of compassion.
Methods: This study employed a descriptive-correlational design. The study population included undergraduate students at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2023. The participants were selected using a sequential mixed-methods sampling approach (first stage: convenience sampling; second stage: purposive sampling). They completed the Multidimensional Inventory of Emotional Disorders, the Other-as-Shamer Scale-2, the Experience of Shame Scale, the Shame Aversion Reactions Inventory, the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire, and the Anger Rumination Scale. Data from 235 individuals with emotional problems were analyzed using structural equation modeling and PLS software.
Results: Fear of compassion was significantly associated with aggression (β=0.28, P<0.001) and anger rumination (β=0.34, P<0.001). Shame aversion was significantly related to anger rumination (β=0.25, P<0.001) but not to aggression (β=0.01, P=0.87). In examining indirect relationships, fear of compassion significantly mediated the relationship between shame and both aggression (β=0.10, P<0.01) and anger rumination (β=0.13, P<0.001). Furthermore, shame aversion mediated only the relationship between shame and anger rumination, accounting for 20.2% of the total effect.
Conclusion: Shame aversion and fear of compassion play important mediating roles in the relationship between shame, aggression, and anger rumination in individuals with emotional problems, with fear of compassion being the stronger mediator. These findings might be valuable in designing interventions for individuals with emotional problems, particularly those experiencing shame-based anger and aggression.

Keywords

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Sadra Medical Journal
Volume 14, Issue 2
June 2026
Pages 326-341
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