Bidirectional relations between guilt/shame and moral sensitivity: a two-wave cross-lagged analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Moral Psychology

Background:

• Social moral emotions are crucial for moral development.
• The causal links between moral emotions and moral sensitivity remain under-explored.
• Understanding these mechanisms is vital for improving individual morality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the longitudinal, causal relationship between moral sensitivity and moral emotions (guilt and shame).
• To explore the roles of empathy and cognitive appraisal theories in this relationship.
• To provide theoretical and practical insights into moral development.

Main Methods:

• A two-wave longitudinal survey design was employed.
• 668 adolescents participated in the study over two years.
• Structural equation modeling and cross-lagged analysis were used to examine causal associations.

Main Results:

• A significant reciprocal relationship was found between guilt and moral sensitivity.
• Shame did not show a significant predictive relationship with moral sensitivity, either unidirectional or bidirectional.
• This research is the first to demonstrate guilt's role in enhancing moral sensitivity.

Conclusions:

• Guilt emerges as a significant moral emotion that can foster moral sensitivity.
• Findings offer a novel perspective on cultivating social moral emotions for enhanced moral development.
• This study contributes to understanding the interplay between emotions and moral cognition.