The Scrooge effect is a psychological phenomenon that describes a noticeable behavioural change in individuals towards increased generosity and altruism following encounters with mortality or existential dread.[1] It emphasizes that the realization of mortality motivates individuals to embrace cultural values and engage in activities that provide significance and transcendence beyond the concept of death.[2] Corresponding to the terror management theory, the Scrooge effect proposes that existential apprehension can stimulate positive shifts in behavior.[3] Individuals may prioritize acts of kindness and philanthropy as coping mechanisms to grapple with mortality and reaffirm their sense of purpose.[4]
Empirical studies suggest that personal adversities such as severe illness, financial adversity, or the bereavement of a loved one can instigate pro-social conduct, fostering sentiments of generosity and empathy. The Scrooge effect offers a conceptual framework within psychology to examine the determinants influencing altruistic behaviors and the underlying mechanisms driving transformative experiences.[5]
^Jonas, Eva; Schimel, Jeff; Greenberg, Jeff; Pyszczynski, Tom (October 2002). "The Scrooge Effect: Evidence that Mortality Salience Increases Prosocial Attitudes and Behavior". Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. 28 (10): 1342–1353. doi:10.1177/014616702236834. ISSN 0146-1672.
^Zaleśkiewicz, T., Gąsiorowska, A. & Kesebir, P. (2015). The Scrooge effect revisited: Mortality salience increases the satisfaction derived from prosocial behavior. Jour Of Experimental Social Psychology, 59, 67–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2015.03.005
^Nordmo, M., & Norman, E. (2016). Perceived mortality and perceived morality: perceptions of Value-Orientation are more likely when a decision is preceded by a mortality reminder. Frontiers in Psychology, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00233
^Hohman, Z. P., & Hogg, M. A. (2014). Mortality salience, self‐esteem, and defense of the group: mediating role of in‐group identification. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 45(2), 80–89. https://doi.org/10.1111/jasp.12277
^Joireman, J., & Duell, B. (2007). Self-transcendent values moderate the impact of mortality salience on support for charities. Personality and Individual Differences, 43(4), 779–789. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2007.02.003
The Scroogeeffect is a psychological phenomenon that describes a noticeable behavioural change in individuals towards increased generosity and altruism...
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