Which term refers to the assumption of blame directed toward oneself by others?

The term that refers to the assumption of blame directed toward oneself by others is shame. This concept involves a profound emotional experience that arises from the perception of having failed to meet one's own or societal standards. When individuals experience shame, they often feel as if they are fundamentally flawed or unworthy, leading them to internalize the blame projected by others.

Shame differs from guilt, which is typically associated with specific actions rather than the self. While guilt involves feeling bad about what one has done, shame goes deeper, affecting individuals' sense of identity and self-worth. Additionally, regret relates to a feeling of sorrow about past decisions or actions but does not inherently involve the same level of self-directed blame as shame. Embarrassment, on the other hand, is a milder form of discomfort associated with being exposed or having made a social misstep, and it does not involve the deep-seated self-judgment that accompanies shame.

Thus, shame accurately encapsulates the experience of believing oneself to be at fault, making it the correct choice for this question.