Responsibility Attributions for Men and Women Giving Sane Versus Crazy Explanations for Good and Bad Deeds

We conducted two studies in which participants evaluated men and women who committed good or bad deeds and afterward gave crazy or sane explanations for their actions. In line with arguments of Thomas Szasz, people were evaluated as more mentally ill, having less intent, and taking little responsibility when they committed deeds that were bad rather than good; those giving crazy explanations for their actions were similarly judged. However, recommended prison sentences did not differ for people who gave crazy or sane explanations for their crimes. Data were integrated into a growing body of research investigating evaluations of criminal responsibility for people with psychological disorders.