Guilt

Feelings of guilt may arise for irrational or for rational reasons. In the latter case, failure to recognize such feelings may produce unfortunate psychological consequences and failure to have such feelings may result in neurosis. According to Jung, even irrational guilt may be necessary to avoid outward projection of the contents of the shadow. Again, all guilt feelings are important in that they inspire reflection upon what is evil. They can, however, result in moral paralysis; and confession of guilt is enjoined in the Christian religion as a means of healing and release.