On Emotions

The impact of deservingness on emotions towards the fate of another person

Shlomo Hareli - Department of Psychology - University of Haifa

 

Abstract For The GEW97 Meeting

A theoretical model is proposed in which deservingness is hypothesized to play a central role in determining emotional reactions to the fate of another person. The main aim of the current approach is to suggest a theoretical frame which describes some of the major elements that determine deservingness i.e., responsibility, the impact of the event and the personality of the agent. This approach also highlights the importance of recognizing two separate components of deservingness: general deservingness and specific deservingness. This theoretical consideration may help to better understand the role of deservingness in emotional reactions. Moreover, the current frame challenges the traditional assumption that deservingness is exclusively determined by perceptions of responsibility and justice.

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