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Facing yourself – A note on self-image.

Authors :
Falk, Armin
Source :
Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization. Jun2021, Vol. 186, p724-734. 11p.
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

The concern for a positive self-image is a central assumption in a large class of signaling models. In this paper, we exogenously vary the impact of self-image concerns by manipulating self-directed attention and study the impact on moral behavior. The choice context in the experiment is whether subjects inflict a painful electric shock on another subject to receive a monetary reward. In the main treatment, subjects see their own face on the decision screen in a real-time video feed. In three control conditions, subjects see either no video at all or a neutral video, or they see themselves in a mirror. We find that increasing self-awareness significantly reduces the fraction of subjects inflicting pain. The finding emphasizes the importance of self-image concerns for moral decision making with implications for theory as well as practical applications to promote socially desirable outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subjects

Subjects :
*SELF-perception
*ELECTRIC shock

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
01672681
Volume :
186
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
150770707
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jebo.2020.11.003