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Moral Disciplining Theory (MDT) is supported by evidence linking self-control to cooperation and valuing sacrifice. However, MDT

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Behavioral Economics

Background:

  • Moral Disciplining Theory (MDT) posits links between self-control, cooperation, and the societal valuation of sacrifice.
  • Existing research supports the association between self-control and cooperation, as well as the general value placed on costly prosocial behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the empirical support for various tenets of Moral Disciplining Theory (MDT).
  • To investigate the relationship between religiosity and cooperation within the framework of MDT.
  • To examine the perceived value of sacrifice and costly prosocial behaviors in "western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic" (WEIRD) societies.

Main Methods:

  • Review and synthesis of existing empirical evidence relevant to MDT.
  • Comparative analysis of findings across different societal contexts, including WEIRD societies.
  • Assessment of the consistency between theoretical predictions and observed data.

Main Results:

  • Evidence strongly supports the link between self-control and cooperation.
  • Societies generally value sacrifice and costly prosocial behaviors, consistent with MDT.
  • The association between religion/religiosity and cooperation is not consistently supported by existing evidence.
  • The notion that sacrifice is devalued in WEIRD societies is inconsistent with current data.

Conclusions:

  • While some core aspects of Moral Disciplining Theory (MDT) are empirically validated, others require revision.
  • The role of religion in fostering cooperation needs further investigation.
  • The assumption that modern WEIRD societies devalue costly prosociality is not supported by evidence.