The term "self-flagellation" has a very definite literal meaning. Currently, this concept is used mainly in a figurative sense to refer to very strong remorse that torment a person, deprive of rest.
What kind of people tend to self-flagellation
In earlier times, the most zealous believers inflicted severe pain on themselves, striking with lashes, knotted ropes or prickly branches in memory of the suffering of some holy martyr. In medieval Europe, such people were called "flagellates, " from the Latin flagellatio - "flagellation."
In our time, the concept of "self-flagellation" is interpreted a little differently. Severe remorse can occur in people with high moral qualities, who try to behave impeccably always and everywhere. They are very strict about themselves, sharply condemn each of their mistakes, any voluntary or involuntary deviation from the rules of good form, even the most insignificant. At the mere thought that they behaved inappropriately, burning shame begins to torment them, their conscience torments.
Self-flagellation also often becomes the lot of very kind, heightened sensitive people who react extremely painfully to any rudeness, cruelty, injustice. They are tormented by the thought that there is a lot of evil in the world. It is unbearably hard for them to realize that they cannot help everyone in need, feed all the hungry, put all homeless dogs and cats in the good hands, save all children from dysfunctional families from beating, etc. The very fact of their own well-being, family happiness, material wealth against this background is perceived by them as something unworthy, deserving of condemnation. And this causes them strong remorse.
Attempts to explain to such people that they are not guilty of anything and should not take responsibility for the fact that the world is imperfect, are often unsuccessful.
Self-flagellation is often caused by repentance for one's unworthy behavior, rudeness, resentment inflicted on another person (especially close). For example, a daughter quarreled with her mother and expressed many bitter reproaches at her address in her hearts. And mother soon died. Now the orphaned daughter indulges in self-flagellation: it was her fault, she behaved rudely, unrestrainedly, offended her mother, and her heart could not stand it.
Even if the daughter's reproaches were fair, she will experience severe remorse, blaming herself.