Psychological effects of immoral actions: The experimental evidence

Considers the psychological consequences of immoral actions. Research on the effects on adults of breaking conventionally defined moral rules in controlled experiments is critically reviewed, including aggression, counterattitudinal advocacy, dishonesty, and interpersonal damage studies. It is established that immoral actions do affect the transgressor, with most of the impact related to the transgression. In experimental settings, major distortions do not result. Methodological issues with dependent measures are indicated, and patterns of research activity are discussed. Sense of responsibility for immoral actions and subjective definition of behavior as immoral may mediate effects. Current theories on reaction to transgression--cognitive dissonance, equity restoration, guilt, and negative-state relief--are evaluated. Limitations of existing experimentation, ways to increase its relevance to the full range of immoral actions, and ethical issues in the experimental study of immorality are indicated. (85 ref)