Moral Psychology

Researchers found that interoceptive awareness—the ability to sense internal bodily states—predicts whether people’s moral judgments match group norms. Brain scans revealed that resting-state activity in specific brain regions mediates this relationship.

Patriotism isn’t morally neutral. A recent study finds that different types of national pride align with distinct moral values—with uncritical patriotism tied to obedience over compassion.

A new study suggests that meaningful psychedelic experiences may broaden the range of beings people see as morally worthy.

New research shows that moral conviction speeds up political decision-making and activates emotional and cognitive brain regions—especially in people with lower self-awareness about their own judgment accuracy.

A new study suggests our moral leanings—whether utilitarian or Kantian—may be influenced more by genetics than by upbringing.

New research reveals that people judge women's bodies through a moral lens far more than men's, shaping societal restrictions on bodily autonomy. This bias may explain why women's choices—like appearance and health—often face greater scrutiny.

A large study failed to replicate previous findings suggesting infants prefer "helpers," questioning the idea of innate moral understanding and raising "blank slate" possibilities.

Lower-class Americans perceive their societal contributions as less significant than higher-class individuals due to a bias favoring “bridging help” (helping strangers) over “bonding help” (helping close others).

Reflecting on reasons for moral dilemma choices increases sensitivity to moral norms, but does not consistently affect sensitivity to consequences or preferences for action versus inaction.

Researchers found that oxytocin, delivered via nasal spray, increases feelings of guilt and shame and makes people less likely to harm others, even if it benefits others, highlighting its potential to enhance moral sensitivity and empathy.

Improving appearance—through makeup, hairstyling, or filters—heightens public self-awareness, making people more likely to engage in prosocial behaviors like donating or ethical shopping.

Republicans judged women’s authority violations more harshly than men’s, while Democrats judged men’s violations more harshly than women’s. These biases diminished when gender information appeared later in sentences, highlighting the influence of framing on moral judgments.

A new study has found that individuals prone to moral disengagement reported more cheating, suspected their partners of infidelity more often, and had lower relationship satisfaction.

Recent research suggests that watching superhero films can boost prosocial behavior. This effect is mediated by increased empathy and moral justification, where viewers identify with the hero and see their actions as morally right.

New research suggests that strong moral convictions about gender equality lead individuals to be more trustful of rigorous studies showing discrimination, but also bias their judgment, causing them to see discrimination even when evidence suggests otherwise.