Acceptability and Normativity of Affect-worsening Motives in Close versus Non-Close Relationships

This project explores why individuals make others feel worse, a process known as affect worsening. Although we may worsen others’ emotions for selfish reasons, we may also try to help them in the long run. Emerging work has begun to study how and when people engage in affect worsening behaviors, though little is known about how these behaviors are evaluated across social contexts. This study explores how the moral acceptability and descriptive normativity of affect-worsening motives are perceived in close and non-close relationships. Across two studies, participants will read brief written scenarios depicting affect-worsening behaviors, rating the acceptability and normativity of each situation in different relationships. Study 1 focuses on romantic partners, whereas Study 2 focuses on emotionally close friendships. It is hypothesized that altruistic motives will be rated as more acceptable and normative, especially in close relationships. Results will be presented during URCA week.