Deontological Guilt and Disgust Sensitivity Modulate Moral Behaviour

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Moral Psychology

Background:

• Deontological Guilt (DG) and Altruistic Guilt (AG) arise from violating rules or altruistic principles.
• DG is linked to Disgust Sensitivity and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
• The interaction between DG, disgust sensitivity, and moral behavior remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how DG and Disgust Sensitivity interact to modulate moral behavior.
• To examine the effects of DG and AG inductions on lie-telling behavior.
• To assess changes in moral traits and behavior during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Main Methods:

• Study 1: 46 healthy participants underwent DG, AG, or neutral emotional inductions before a moral dilemma task (egoistic vs. altruistic lies). Questionnaires assessed OCD traits, morality, guilt, and disgust sensitivity.
• Study 2: 27 participants were retested during COVID-19 lockdown to evaluate pandemic-related changes in moral traits and behavior.

Main Results:

• DG induction led to fewer altruistic and more egoistic lies compared to neutral conditions, particularly in individuals with high Disgust Sensitivity.
• During lockdown, participants showed increased sensitivity to moral foundations (Authority) and disgust.
• Pandemic-induced increases in deontological morality influenced behavior based on changes in Disgust Sensitivity.

Conclusions:

• High Disgust Sensitivity amplifies the impact of deontological inductions on immoral behavior, potentially by diminishing moral self-image.
• Therapeutic interventions targeting Disgust Sensitivity may reduce guilt's influence on behavior in clinical populations.
• Findings highlight the interplay between disgust, guilt, and moral decision-making.