Which of the following is a social benefit of feeling and expressing guilt?

• A. It reduces empathy and concern for others.
• B. It leads to social isolation and withdrawal from others.
• C. It promotes reconciliation and repair of relationships after a wrongdoing.
• D. It increases the likelihood of repeating the same harmful behavior.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of guilt in psychology. Guilt is an emotional experience that occurs when a person believes they have done something wrong or violated a moral standard.
2. Step 2: Recognize that guilt often motivates individuals to make amends or correct their behavior, which can help restore social bonds.
3. Step 3: Analyze the social functions of guilt, focusing on how it encourages reconciliation and repair of relationships after a wrongdoing.
4. Step 4: Contrast this with other options: guilt does not typically reduce empathy or increase harmful behavior; rather, it usually increases concern for others and discourages repeating harmful actions.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the social benefit of guilt is its role in promoting reconciliation and repairing relationships, which helps maintain social harmony.