Embitterment is a distinct state of mood yet its effects have so far not found appropriate scientific attention. In this book, pioneers in embitterment research summarize the current knowledge on embitterment, its triggers, phenomenology and consequences.

Embitterment is a distinct state of mood known to everyone. It can be seen in the context of exceptional though “normal” negative life events. It is an emotional reaction e.g. to humiliation, to being severely disappointed by others, or to violations of basic values. Embitterment is accompanied by other emotions like feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, poor moods and a lack of drive, and aggression towards oneself and others. It can end in suicide or even murder-suicide and in a distinct pathological state known as “Posttraumatic Embitterment Disorder (PTED)”. But despite the high prevalence rates, the detrimental effects on individuals and its forensic and societal importance, embitterment has yet to receive due scientific attention.
In this book pioneers in embitterment research summarize the current knowledge on embitterment, its triggers, phenomenology and consequences. The work is intended to stimulate international debate and to contribute to a better understanding of embitterment and a deeper appreciation of the impact of exceptional but normal negative life events on psychological well-being.

1. Psychology and neurobiology of embitterment
PTSD and beyond. The embitterment reaction
The psychology of embitterment
Psychology of hope and despair
The belief in a just word
Personality and embitterment reactions
Neurobiological Correlates of Social Exclusion and Social Pain
Revenge
Wisdom psychology

2. Context of embitterment
Partnership and embitterment
Bereavement and embitterment
Life Span development, old age and embitterment
Cancer and embitterment
Work and Embitterment
The Asian perspective on "loosing one’s face"
War trauma, Displacement and Embitterment

3. Treatment of embitterment
Pharmacotherapeutic options in the treatment of reactive disorders and embitterment
Forgiveness therapy
Wisdom psychotherapy

4. Legal, societal, and political dimensions of embitterment and forgiveness

Homicide-suicide and forensic aspects of injustice, humiliation and embitterment

Introduction: Embitterment and the German Reunification
Forgiveness education in Northern Ireland
Embitterment and Apartheid

5. Embitterment and the classification of mental disorders
The differentiation between normal and pathological emmotion. Should embitterment be listed in glossaries of psychopathological terms?
Differentiation between "Reactive mental disorders" and adjustment problems because of personality (-disorders)
Classification of reactive mental disorders in ICD and DSM
Context factors and reactive disorders in the
Posttraumatic Embitterment Disorder