The pot calling the kettle black: distancing response to ethical dissonance

J Exp Psychol Gen. 2012 Nov;141(4):757-73. doi: 10.1037/a0027588. Epub 2012 Mar 12.

Abstract

Six studies demonstrate the "pot calling the kettle black" phenomenon whereby people are guilty of the very fault they identify in others. Recalling an undeniable ethical failure, people experience ethical dissonance between their moral values and their behavioral misconduct. Our findings indicate that to reduce ethical dissonance, individuals use a double-distancing mechanism. Using an overcompensating ethical code, they judge others more harshly and present themselves as more virtuous and ethical (Studies 1, 2, 3). We show this mechanism is exclusive for ethical dissonance and is not triggered by salience of ethicality (Study 4), general sense of personal failure, or ethically neutral cognitive dissonance (Study 5). Finally, it is characterized by some boundary conditions (Study 6). We discuss the theoretical contribution of this work to research on moral regulation and ethical behavior.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cognitive Dissonance*
  • Ethics*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Judgment / physiology*
  • Male
  • Metaphor
  • Psychological Tests
  • Self Concept*
  • Social Behavior*
  • Social Perception*
  • Young Adult