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Citation: Torres, W.J. & Bergner, R.M. (2010). Humiliation: Its nature and consequences. J Am Acad Psychiatry Law, 38, 195–204
Abstract: In this article, we present a new analysis of what is involved when individuals undergo
We describe the structure of humiliation—that is, the factors that, taken collectively, render certain
circumstances humiliating; the most common destructive consequences of being subjected to them; and
personality factors that, when present, can serve to amplify the damaging effects of humiliating
analysis is intended to enable forensic clinicians, lawyers, judges, and other relevant parties to understand better what happens when individuals are humiliated and to identify more precisely the damage that such persons sustain. It is also intended to have heuristic value for the discussion, confrontation, and alleviation of humiliation in correctional, jurisprudential, clinical, and general societal contexts.