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Virtue or Success? It Depends on Self-interest

Taylor, Sarah G.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1369217510

Abstract Details

2013, Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, Experimental Psychology (Arts and Sciences).
The present studies extend research on contingencies of self-worth (CSW) to the moral domain by demonstrating that moral conflicts are resolved in a way that maximizes benefits to important aspects of self-worth. We use multi-attribute utility theory (MAUT) to model the choices people make when CSW conflict with behaving virtuously. In Study 1, the moral decisions of Division 1 athletes were compared to those of non-athletes across athletic and academic domains. In Study 2, athletes were compared to individuals whose self-worth is staked in business success. Results across both studies indicate that utility, calculated as a function of CSW and anticipated boosts to self-esteem, predicted moral decisions in academic, athletic, and business domains. Differences were found between athletes and non-athletes such that athletes were more willing to set virtue aside for the sake of success in sport. Together, these results suggest that when domains most central to self-worth are challenged, self-interest prevails as otherwise virtuous individuals become more willing to endorse unethical behavior.
Mark Alicke (Advisor)
Keith Markman (Committee Member)
Mathew Vess (Committee Member)
56 p.
Psychology; Social Psychology
self-worth; moral decisions; utility

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Taylor, S. G. (2013). Virtue or Success? It Depends on Self-interest [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1369217510

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Taylor, Sarah. Virtue or Success? It Depends on Self-interest. 2013. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1369217510.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Taylor, Sarah. "Virtue or Success? It Depends on Self-interest." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1369217510

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ohiou1369217510
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© 2013, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.