Lady Macbeth effect

The "Lady Macbeth effect" refers to a psychological phenomenon where individuals engage in cleansing behaviors—both literal and metaphorical—after committing a perceived moral transgression or wrongdoing. The term is derived from Shakespeare's character Lady Macbeth, who, after participating in the murder of King Duncan, becomes obsessed with washing her hands to rid herself of the guilt, famously exclaiming, "Out, damned spot!