Guilt, Shame and Self-Perceived Burden among Older Adults with Multiple Long-Term Conditions: A Scoping Review

This scoping review aimed to map current research on guilt, shame and self-perceived burden among older adults with multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs). The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) scoping reviews guidelines. Systematic searches were conducted in six databases. Paired reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full-texts, using pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Relevant data were extracted and reviewed by different team members. Thirty-six studies were included. Fifteen focused on guilt, three on shame, ten on self-perceived burden and eight discussed more than one of these feelings. Guilt was a predominant issue among older adults living with MLTCs. Gender, number, types and severity of comorbidities were determinant factors for feeling guilt, shame and/or burden. These findings highlight the importance of addressing self-conscious emotions in health psychology research and practice, to improve help-seeking and self-management among older adults with multimorbidity.