Dalhousie Professor Publishes Insightful Book on Guilt

A new book by Dr. Chris Moore, a professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Dalhousie University, is now available, delving into the complex emotion of guilt. Titled The Power of Guilt: Why We Feel It and Its Surprising Ability to Heal, the book has garnered attention, making it onto Indigo’s Most Anticipated Canadian Books of 2026 list.

Dr. Moore’s work combines storytelling with scientific insights, offering readers an exploration of how guilt influences our lives. “Pretty much anybody can read this book and get something out of it,” he states, emphasizing the universality of guilt. “We all feel it at some time or another, and that’s because we all have relationships that we care about.”

Exploring the Nature of Guilt

In The Power of Guilt, Dr. Moore draws on extensive research across various fields, including human and animal psychology, psychotherapy, philosophy, comparative religion, and legal frameworks. He posits that guilt serves as a signal indicating harm done to someone we care about, prompting us to seek repair.

He explains, “All of our relationships get strained at some point, and when they’re strained, that’s when guilt tends to arise. The guilt helps us focus on what we can do to mend the relationships or make them better.” However, ignoring or internalizing guilt can lead to further complications.

Dr. Moore’s personal journey significantly shapes the narrative of his book. He began writing The Power of Guilt in 2020, following a transformative experience. In the past, he spent three months in prison due to his involvement in a tragic car accident that resulted in one death and several injuries. This event profoundly altered his perspective on guilt and its implications in life.

“I really wanted to start writing something that would reach a more general audience,” he reflects. “Having had a number of experiences with guilt along the way, I really felt like guilt was a topic that a lot of people could relate to.”

Upcoming Book Launch Event

To celebrate the release of The Power of Guilt, a book launch event is scheduled for January 13, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at The Social at Dalhousie University. This event will provide an opportunity for attendees to engage with Dr. Moore and gain insights into his findings.

As readers navigate their own experiences with guilt, Dr. Moore’s book offers a thoughtful examination of this powerful emotion, encouraging a deeper understanding of its role in personal and interpersonal dynamics.