A gap currently exists in the literature regarding a quantitative
exploration of the self-conscious emotions (i.e., pride,
embarrassment, shame, and guilt). In order to address this
gap, the present study sought to explore the possibility of
systematically inducing one specific self-conscious emotion
(shame). Various methods were explored to determine the
most effective way to induce a sense of shame in an
educational context. Results revealed significant differences
in state shame as measured by the Experiential Shame Scale.
However, this difference was related to a student’s proneness
to shame, expectations of success, and perceptions of failure.
Immediate implications for shame’s impact in a variety of
educational contexts are discussed.