Syyllisyyden

Syyllisyys, with the genitive form syyllisyyden, is a moral emotion and cognitive appraisal related to responsibility for a perceived wrongdoing or breach of normative expectations. In Finnish, syyllisyys denotes both the feeling of guilt and the state of being guilty, and it is commonly expressed in phrases such as “tuntea syyllisyyttä” (to feel guilt) and “syyllisyyden tunne” (the feeling of guilt). The form syyllisyyden marks possession or association, as in “syyllisyyden syyt” (reasons for guilt) or “syyllisyyden vaikutus” (the effect of guilt).

Psychologically, guilt functions as a social and moral regulator: it arises when a person believes they have caused harm or violated norms, often producing negative affect, self-reflection, and a motivation to repair. It can drive reparative actions like apology, restitution, or corrective behavior. In ethical and philosophical discussions, guilt is distinguished from related emotions such as shame, where guilt centers on specific actions and their consequences, whereas shame involves a broader negative judgment of the self.

Clinically, guilt can be adaptive when proportionate to the act and lead to constructive change; conversely, excessive or chronic guilt may contribute to distress, anxiety, or depressive symptoms. Treatments in such cases often address attributional patterns and promote adaptive coping and behavioral change.

Cultural and linguistic contexts shape how guilt is experienced and managed. Across societies, syyllisyyden and its expressions reflect varying moral norms, social obligations, and expectations regarding accountability and reconciliation.