Abstract

Terror Management Theory posits that reminders of mortality increase support for cultural values and negative views toward transgressors. However, little research has investigated how mortality salience can influence individuals' perceptions of victims who have suffered differing moral misfortune types. This study explored how mortality salience and moral misfortune types affect the perceptions of victims. One hundred forty-three participants were exposed to either mortality or control manipulation and were given five victim scenarios based on five moral foundations: harm, fairness, purity, loyalty, and authority. Participants rated the deservingness of help for the victim in each scenario. The results indicated that harm and purity transgressions elicited more help, while conservative individuals viewed purity victims less favorably under mortality salience. This suggests that mortality salience influences victim perceptions based on moral context. This study illustrates how mortality salience can shape perceptions of victim's deservingness.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.