Shaping Morality: Psychological Predictors of Morality as Cooperation

Morality has intrigued generations of scholars. An exciting new theory, ‘Morality as Cooperation’ (MAC) has recently been developed, based on evolutionary understandings that morality is about cooperating with the social group. This theory offers seven morally relevant domains of cooperation that guide an individual’s moral worldview: reciprocity, group loyalty, allocation of resources to kin, division, possession, deference and possession, that benefit both the individual and the group. Little is known about how these are shaped by other factors, particularly morally relevant emotions, such as shame. A scoping review confirmed further understanding was required, particularly of its subcategories. The present research aimed to explore how both past shame and shame-proneness relate to MAC domains, as well as the parameters of this relationship and other potential influences, such as attachment and compassion. An online survey was created using validated measures of shame-proneness, past shame, attachment, compassion, and the MAC-Q. The final sample included 231 participants. General linear models were used to analyse the data and the unique contributions of the variables to the MAC domains. Analyses suggested that both past shame (related to a shame memory) shame coping, and external shame-proneness are associated with various moral domains. Moderations were undertaken to examine whether compassion and attachment affect the relationship between shame-proneness and morality domains. No significant moderations were found. Conclusions stated that emotions can shape our morality, though factors implicated in these relationships remain unclear. This research supported the differential investigation of both past and present shame-proneness, and internal and external shame. Further research is encouraged to develop understanding, both generally and in specific populations. Understanding human’s morality has implications for individuals, on a therapeutic level, and wider society, casting light on how we consider morality.