Conscience is the basis of human existence in society. But what explains the negative sense, which give the sense of guilt many people? Apparently, conventional wisdom views confused the two concepts: a sense of guilt as the voice of conscience and the neurotic wine, the imaginary, the redemption of which is impossible, but which, nevertheless, torments the person and makes him commit actions that go beyond the norm. Like many areas of the human psyche: love, patriotism, creativity, conscience and, therefore, guilt can exist in a harmonious, complete, and in a distorted, pathological form. And in the last case of wine, as a rule, is not derived from a violation of man's own moral norms as imposed from the outside – wrong upbringing, historically public opinion, erroneous ideology.
Neurotic form of guilt should include the "sinfulness" of any person preach practically all religions. Despite the developed rituals and moral self-improvement, many religious people, for various reasons, the desire for personal salvation becomes exaggerated – and for atonement are applied long-term fasting, wearing chains, self-flagellation, and even self-immolation. The guilt, purchased child, which used physical punishment ("if you beat me it means I'm bad"), in the future may find expression in aggression, antisocial behavior. Victims of sexual violence in many societies, instead of sympathy, often incur charges in the incident ("my fault"), and a public boycott, "shame" may lead the victim to suicide.
All cases where the guilt is neurotic in nature, require the work of a therapist. If guilt for acts committed nurtures responsibility, encourages him to not to commit such actions continue, then we can talk about a healthy, Mature person with true morals and is able to function effectively for the benefit of society.