Moral Rationalization and the Integration of Situational Factors and Psychological Processes in Immoral Behavior

doi:10.1037/1089-2680.6.1.25

Paper

Moral Rationalization and the Integration of Situational Factors and Psychological Processes in Immoral Behavior

Published Mar 1, 2002 · Jo-Ann Tsang

Review of General Psychology

Q1 SJR score

290

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31

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Abstract

Moral rationalization is an individual's ability to reinterpret his or her immoral actions as, in fact, moral. It arises out of a conflict of motivations and a need to see the self as moral. This article presents a model of evil behavior demonstrating how situational factors that obscure moral relevance can interact with moral rationalization and lead to a violation of moral principles. Concepts such as cognitive dissonance and self-affirmation are used to explain the processes underlying moral rationalization, and different possible methods of moral rationalization are described. Also, research on moral rationalization and its prevention is reviewed.

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Study Snapshot

Key takeawayMoral rationalization, influenced by cognitive dissonance and self-affirmation, can lead individuals to interpret immoral actions as moral, despite situational factors obscure moral relevance.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

Moral Rationalization and the Integration of Situational Factors and Psychological Processes in Immoral Behavior

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