The term "self-flagellation" has a very definite literal meaning. Currently, this concept is used mainly in a figurative sense to denote very strong remorse that torment a person, deprive him of peace.
What kind of people tend to self-flagellation
In the old days, the most zealous believers inflicted great pain upon themselves by striking them with whips, knotted ropes, or thorny branches in memory of the suffering of some holy martyr. In Medieval Europe, such people were called "flagellates", from the Latin flagellatio - "scourging".
In our time, the concept of "self-flagellation" is interpreted a little differently. Strong remorse can arise in people of high moral character who try to behave impeccably always and everywhere. They are very strict with themselves, sharply condemn every mistake they make, any voluntary or involuntary deviation from the rules of good manners, even the most insignificant. At the mere thought that they behaved in an inappropriate way, they begin to torment with burning shame, tormented by conscience.
Self-flagellation also often becomes the lot of very kind, highly sensitive people who react extremely painfully to any rudeness, cruelty, injustice. They are tormented by the thought that there is much evil in the world. It is unbearable for them to realize that they cannot help all those in need, feed all the hungry, put all stray dogs and cats in good hands, save all children from dysfunctional families from beatings, etc. The very fact of their own well-being, family happiness, material prosperity against this background is perceived by them as something unworthy, deserving of condemnation. And this causes them strong remorse.
Attempts to explain to such people that they are not guilty of anything and should not take responsibility for the fact that the world is imperfect are often unsuccessful.
Often, self-flagellation is caused by remorse for their unworthy behavior, rudeness, insult inflicted on another person (especially a close one). For example, the daughter had a fight with her mother and in her hearts expressed many bitter reproaches to her. And the mother soon died. Now the orphaned daughter indulges in self-flagellation: it is her fault, she behaved rudely, unrestrainedly, offended her mother, and her heart could not stand it.
Even if her daughter's reproaches were true, she will have strong remorse for blaming herself.
Is self-flagellation good or bad?
It is difficult to give an unambiguous answer to this question. If a person who has acted not in the best way experiences remorse, remorse, this seems to speak in his favor. On the other hand, extremes are harmful in any business, not to mention the fact that strong nervous tension can have a detrimental effect on health.
