A dynamic model of guilt: implications for motivation and self-regulation in the context of prejudice.
Guilt is widely recognized as an important self-regulatory emotion, yet alternative theoretical accounts view guilt primarily as either a punishment cue or a prosocial motivator. Integrating these views, we propose that guilt functions dynamically to first provide a negative reinforcement cue associated with reduced approach motivation, which transforms into approach-motivated behavior when an opportunity for reparation presents itself. We tested this hypothesis in the context of racial prejudice. White subjects viewed a multiracial series of faces while cortical activity was recorded using electroencephalography. Following bogus feedback indicating anti-Black responses, subjects reported elevated guilt, which was associated with changes in frontal cortical asymmetry indicating reduced approach motivation. When subjects were presented with an opportunity to engage in prejudice-reducing behavior, guilt predicted greater interest in prejudice reduction, which in turn was associated with an approach-related shift in frontal asymmetry. The results support a dynamic model in which guilt is associated with adaptive changes in motivation and behavior.
Amodio
David M
DM
Department of Psychology, New York University, NY 10003, USA. david.amodio@nyu.edu
Devine
Patricia G
PG
Harmon-Jones
Eddie
E
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological / Q000502:physiology*; D000339:Affect / Q000502:physiology; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology; D003463:Cues; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods; D005145:Face; D030141:Feedback, Psychological / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006167:Guilt; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009042:Motivation; D011287:Prejudice; D044469:Racial Groups / Q000523:psychology; D012718:Set, Psychology; D012919:Social Behavior; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology