Cleansing the soul by hurting the flesh: The guilt-reducing effect of pain
Tuesday, March 8, 2011 - 14:30
in Psychology & Sociology
Lent in the Christian tradition is a time of sacrifice and penance. It also is a period of purification and enlightenment. Pain purifies. It atones for sin and cleanses the soul. Or at least that's the idea. Theological questions aside, can self-inflicted pain really alleviate the guilt associated with immoral acts? A new study explores the psychological consequences of experiencing bodily pain.