Affiliations: New School for Social Research, USA | University of Mysore, India | JSS Institute of Speech and Hearing, India
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Joan G. Miller, Department of Psychology, New School for Social Research, 80 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10003, E-mail: millerj@newschool.edu
Abstract: Major psychological theories of morality and motivation make the assumption that an inverse relationship exists between guilt and satisfaction. To the extent that feelings of guilt are linked to a particular motivational or moral stance, it is assumed that feelings of satisfaction are unlikely also be linked to that stance. Empirical findings in the areas of motivation and morality indicate that in collectivist cultural settings that assume less opposition as existing between the individual and the social order, these emotions do not tend to be viewed as opposed in regard to prosocial behavior. Rather, there is a greater tendency for individuals to associate duty and guilt with satisfaction in the context of being responsive to the needs of family and friends. Attention is also given to how these contrasting motivational and moral outlooks develop and influence outlooks on dissent, with conclusions drawn for ways to conduct more culturally sensitive research.
