Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2019

Department

Psychology

Abstract

This meta-analysis examined the relationship between moral identity and moral emotions drawing on 57 independent studies. Moral identity was significantly associated with moral emotions, r = .32, p < .01, 95% CI [.27, .36]. Effect sizes were moderated by the type of moral emotion. Studies reporting other-regarding emotions (sympathy, empathy, compassion) had the largest effect sizes (r = .41), while negative other-evaluative emotions (moral anger, contempt, disgust) had the smallest (r = .16). Self-evaluative and other-evaluative positive emotions had intermediate effect sizes (rs between .29 and .32). The type of emotion measure also was a significant moderator, with trait measures of emotion (r = .38) correlating more strongly with moral identity than state measures (r = .24). Effect sizes did not differ for the type of moral identity measure employed, publication status or cultural origin of the study sample. The results of this meta-analysis demonstrate a robust empirical connection between moral identity and moral emotions, which confirms the multi-faceted role of moral identity in moral functioning.

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