In this article, the authors build on previous discussions of the possible role of shame & guilt in sexual offending. They review the general psychological literature & conclude that the distinction between internal & external shame is an important one in considering sexual offenders. The effects of shame & guilt on victim empathy & relapse are discussed, & it is proposed that the phenomena of shame & guilt have implications for treatment beyond those identified in previous studies. The role of shame & guilt in offender suicidality is discussed. (47 refs)