Exit to Feel, Voice, and Act: Emotions and Actions of Russian Migrants Opposing the Invasion of Ukraine

Abstract

Previous research has shown that those identifying with the perpetrator group experience emotions, such as guilt, shame, and anger. These emotions have also motivated people to confront the authorities and support the victims. Recent Russian legislation restricts such actions, and also the expression of individual emotions and attitudes. This study (n = 533) examined the emotional state and the actions of Russian migrants, and the relationships of these emotions with the actions. The results showed that migration enabled the actions prohibited in Russia and that emotions contributed to these actions, although the correlation was weak. This study improves our understanding of the perpetrators’ emotions, and how these emotions motivate human activity under real-world conditions of highly repressive legislation.