I think we're talking about what is called a "narcissistic injury". it makes you feel small, kind of humiliated? I think it's worse if you don't have a strong sense of self, or self-worth, or self-esteem to begin with. Like, people join fraternities and put up with rejection and hazing, for the chance to NOT have that feeling for the rest of their campus life? or so they think.
ETA: for me, being called in by the boss put me into instant "being yelled at by my mother" mode. even if I was getting a raise or something good, or benign. total instant transference.
But I NEVER mind asking a stupid question, cos I know i'm a genius.