In this ambitious new work, Frank Broucek explores the affect of shame--its functions, and its relationship to sexuality, self, and others. With a special focus on the relationship between shame and self-objectification, he proposes an innovative new theory that links shame to our sense of self from early development through maturity. In exploring this theme, Broucek--a psychoanalytically trained psychiatrist--breaks new ground in understanding the development of the self, establishing a perspective on narcissism that differs markedly from traditional psychoanalytic concepts. '...well written, informative, and easy to recommend....[A] valuable addition to the rapidly growing literature on shame.' --- Psychoanalytic Quarterly 'Broucek's book is an imaginative and forthright discussion of an extremely powerful and painful phenomenon....The necessary balance between shame and shamelessness that Broucek ultimately proposes provides an impressive conclusion to this important book.' --- Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic, Vol. 57, No. 2 (Spring 1993).