Dialectical thinking as a driver of charitable giving

Abstract

AbstractIt is well documented that people are less generous in their charitable contribution when donation recipients are perceived to bear some responsibility for their aversive situation. However, there is limited research that identifies the factors that may influence generosity toward blameworthy recipients. The present research addresses this gap and examines the moderating role of dialectical thinking in the relationship between recipient responsibility and charitable giving. Our studies demonstrate that compared to high dialectical thinkers, low dialectical thinkers are less likely to donate when they perceive recipients to be responsible for their plight. Mediation analysis reveals that this effect is mediated through low dialectical thinkers' weaker belief in recipients' changeability and lower degree of sympathy. This study intends to make theoretical contributions to the literatures of dialectical thinking and charitable giving, and provides implications for organizations with the aim of helping seemingly irresponsible individuals.