We test the effect of emotions on moral behaviour in a one shot gift-exchange game. Using the emotional induction technique, we induce either positive or negative emotions to the subjects before they play the game. We also consider a control treatment, without any affect manipulation. Emotional induction was effective: participants who saw the shocking and appalling movie reported significantly stronger negative emotions and weaker positive emotions than those who saw the funny movie. We find that players’ choices differ significantly across emotional conditions: we observe essentially that second movers who experience positive or neutral emotions do reciprocate whereas subjects overwhelmed with indignation, anger or guilt feelings show a very strong unconditional generous behaviour and do not reciprocate at all. We argue that indignation has a strong proactive force which allows subjects to reveal to themselves their own true values.
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Paper provided by Groupe de Recherche en Economie Théorique et Appliquée in its series Cahiers du GREThA with number
2009-10.
Find related papers by JEL classification: A12 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Other Disciplines C70 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - General C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
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