John Bradshaw defined toxic shame as distinct from a healthy sense of dignity, manners, and modesty. Also, he addresses how toxic shame can be "carried" by people, and passed down in families, as a legacy, so that eventually those who are afflicted need to heal from it, to stop the cycle.

I have personally read this book (found it in community college library) and I found myself wishing I'd paid more attention to his talks while he was active.