Document Type : Research Article
Authors
1 MSc in educational psychology, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Yasuj, Yasuj, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities,University of Yasuj, Yasuj, Iran
Abstract
Introduction
Revenge and vengefulness are universal phenomena linked to perceptions of justice and negative emotions such as anger, and they are directly correlated with antisocial traits like narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy (Dyduch-Hazar & Mrozinski, 2023; Chester & DeWall, 2018). Planning revenge increases anxiety and anger, leading to destructive behaviors (Bushman, 2002). Moral identity acts as a deterrent, guiding individuals toward prosocial behaviors and away from vengefulness (Hardy et al., 2020). Effortful control also helps manage impulses and anger, thereby reducing vengeful behaviors (Baumeister et al., 1998; Tangney, Boone & Baumeister, 2014). Studies have shown that individuals with high effortful control exhibit less violence and aggression (Finkel, 2009; De Kemp et al., 2009). Empathy plays a key role in reducing the inclination toward revenge, as highly empathetic individuals are more likely to forgive and engage in prosocial behaviors (Eisenberg et al., 2009; McCullough et al., 1997). Adolescents, due to emotional and cognitive changes, are particularly prone to vengeful tendencies. This study, by examining effortful control and empathy as mediating factors, provides a deeper understanding of adolescent vengeful tendencies and addresses gaps in Iranian research. Its findings can contribute to intervention programs aimed at reducing violence and fostering emotional regulation skills.
Method
This study is a descriptive-correlational research employing structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population comprised high school students in Shiraz during the 2022-2023 academic year. Based on sampling criteria, a sample size of 567 students was selected using a multistage cluster sampling method.
The research utilized the following questionnaires to measure the study variables: the Moral Identity Questionnaire by Aquino and Reed (2002), the Effortful Control Scale by Ellis and Rothbart (2001), the Empathy Questionnaire by Spreng et al. (2009), and the Vengeful Tendencies Scale by Flores-Camacho et al. (2022).
Results
Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed using Amos-24 software to evaluate the proposed model. Table 1 illustrates the fit indices of the proposed model with the data.
Tab 1. Model Fit Indices for the Proposed Model
Fit Indices X2 df P X2/df GFI AGFI NFI CFI IFI RMSEA
Proposed Model 70.59 23 0.01 3.06 0.98 0.97 0.97 0.98 0.99 0.06
The analysis of direct pathways revealed the following path coefficients: Moral Identity to Empathy (β = 0.90, p = 0.001), Moral Identity to Effortful Control (β = 0.45, p = 0.001), Empathy to vengeful tendencies (β = -0.20, p = 0.001), and Effortful Control to vengeful tendencies (β = -0.29, p = 0.001). The path from Moral Identity to vengeful tendencies was excluded due to lack of significance. Regarding indirect pathways, the findings indicated that in both cases, the upper and lower bounds of the confidence interval did not include zero, confirming their significance.
Discussion
Moral identity and the vengeful tendencies are deeply influenced by philosophical and cultural perspectives (Elster, 1990; Jacoby, 1983). In some cultures, revenge is viewed as an unethical act that exacerbates violence, whereas in others, it is considered a just response to injustice and a means of restoring fairness. These differences highlight how moral identity is shaped across societies based on their attitudes toward concepts such as revenge and justice, potentially influencing the vengeful tendencies indirectly through effortful control and empathy.
Ethics, particularly moral identity, play a significant role in enhancing effortful control by sensitizing individuals to issues of care and justice (Rozin, 1999; Hoffman et al., 2018). Effortful control, defined as the ability to overcome short-term impulses to achieve long-term goals, enables individuals to resist temptations and respond thoughtfully to challenges, thus reducing vengeful tendencies (Dishion et al., 2004). Conversely, individuals with lower levels of effortful control are more likely to pursue immediate gratification and exhibit self-centered behaviors (Gottfredson & Hirschi, 1990).
Individuals with high moral identity tend to engage in altruistic and empathetic behaviors, opting for peaceful solutions over revenge when faced with ethical dilemmas (FeldmanHall et al., 1990; Lu, Huang & Luo, 2021). They are more sensitive to others’ emotions and capable of understanding their suffering, which helps reduce vengeful tendencies (Van der Graaff et al., 2018). On the other hand, those with lower moral identity are often driven by self-interest and may resort to selfish or vengeful behaviors (Marsh & Blair, 2008).
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