I Care…If I’m compassionate! Norm transgressions, dispositional compassion, and reactions toward suffering targets
Alice Lucarini, Giulia Fuochi & Alberto Voci (University of Padova)
The present study hypothesizes that highly compassionate people react negatively toward suffering targets who harm other people’s well-being. We tested this hypothesis in an experimental study (N=320) with a between participants 2×2 design. In a fake newspaper article describing a workplace accident, we manipulated the behavior of the target –either positive or negative (Valuing: High vs. Low) – and the kind of norm (Norm: Care vs. Fairness), which could be violated or satisfied. Results showed a negative main effect of the Valuing factor: participants showed fewer compassionate reactions when the target was violating a norm, regardless of its nature. We also found a positive main effect of dispositional compassion: highly compassionate participants were more likely to experience compassionate reactions toward the target. These results were replicated also for participants’ willingness to help the target. We also found a three-way interaction involving the Valuing and Moral factors with dispositional compassion. Highly compassionate participants experienced fewer prosocial intentions toward the target when he violated a Care norm. On the contrary, low compassionate participants experienced fewer prosocial intentions toward the target when he violated a Fairness norm. This result is in line with the hypothesis that the kind of norm that is violated matters for highly compassionate people, who react more negatively when the transgressor harms other’s people’s wellbeing.
Finally, we will present a second study that we are planning, with the aim of assessing the mediating role of participants’ perceived threat, moral emotions, and the target’s perceptions. We count on your valuable feedback!
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