The adult will assume the shame they feel is their own and will not be aware that they are experiencing vicarious shame. As long as the parent is experiencing shame as distress, the shame will intensify within the adult and will be experienced as moral distress. The moral distress will cause the adult to feel anxious about the wellbeing of the domineering parent. Eventually the adult will override their own moral principles and values, overturn their previous decision in order to resume their role placating, protecting and pleasing the parent, and restore the social order of the family system.