What term refers to blame that is directed inward at oneself?

The term that refers to blame directed inward at oneself is guilt. Guilt typically arises when an individual feels that they have violated their own moral or ethical standards, leading to a sense of responsibility for their actions. It often results from acknowledging mistakes or wrongdoings, causing a person to feel remorseful and accountable for their behavior.

In contrast, shame focuses more on a person's perception of themselves as flawed or unworthy, rather than on specific actions. Fear is an emotional response to perceived threats and does not inherently involve self-blame. Self-pity involves feeling sorry for oneself due to perceived unfairness in one’s situation, but it does not necessarily include the element of personal accountability that defines guilt. Therefore, guilt distinctly captures the internalized blame indicative of this concept.