Shaming people about their lifestyle habits doesn't work

Going to the doctor usually involves exposing the body with all its faults and flaws. In a culture that increasingly values self control and bodily perfection, being sick or even merely old can lead to feelings of shame and inadequacy.

Any defects or difficulties can feel like personal failings, especially if they are linked to lifestyle, such as problems related to weight, sexual behaviour, smoking, addiction, alcohol or other substance use. People with these issues face being shamed for “unnecessarily” using health or disability services, or welfare benefits.

This is all part of the contemporary political dogma of “personal responsibility”, which is reinforced by doctors who are now supposed to use every consultation – regardless of its original purpose – to talk to a patient about how to take responsibility for a healthier lifestyle.

What’s wrong with a bit of shaming?

For centuries, religions and laws have thrived on the fact that shame can be used to change or control people’s behaviour. And we know from reality TV series that being shamed can motivate some people to change their life or behaviour to something healthier. But, for the most part, shame makes people want to...