This study explored the relationship between shame and anger in high anger males (n=7, mean age, 39 years), and non-angry males (n=6, mean age, 42years). It was found that shame and anger form a dynamic relationship, which is affected by both biological and environmental factors. Across both groups, being shamed as an adult was found to lead to anger. However, shaming situations appeared to mean different things for both groups. For the study group, shame was a threat to their authority and status, and for the control group, shaming resulted from threats to democratic aspects of relationships (equality, mutual respect). For the study group, adult shame was associated more with negative judgment by others, and for the control group, shame was more likely to be associated with one's own judgment of the self. For both groups, experiences of shame affect resulted from attributions of self­ responsibility for transgressions. Where self-responsibility was not acknowledged, no shame reported to be expe1ienced. Childhood shame was generally associated with the emotions of fear and distress, and not with anger. Where anger was present in childhood, it was associated with severe and intense shaming. Adolescent/young adult anger was related to shame in two distinct levels: blame and proving oneself. Both of these tendencies tapered off around the beginning of middle adulthood. Two factors were prominent in this pattern: maturation (mellowing, slowing down) and forgiveness.