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The (Un)Happy Moralist? Different Methods of Moral Engagement have Opposing Implications for Wellbeing

Author

Listed:
  • Tamanna Taher

    (University of Melbourne)

  • Chloe Goutallier

    (University of Melbourne)

  • Kelly Kirkland

    (University of Melbourne)

  • Brock Bastian

    (University of Melbourne)

Abstract

For centuries, the relationship between morality and well-being has been a focal point of philosophical debate. Recent empirical research has produced mixed results, showing both positive and negative associations between moral engagement and well-being. Our exploratory research examines two forms of moral engagement—moral identity and moral attentiveness—and their potential implications for well-being. In Study 1 (N = 149), we found that a stronger moral identity was generally associated with higher well-being, whereas greater moral attentiveness showed mixed associations, including links to increased rumination and some indicators of poorer well-being. Mediation analyses suggested that moral identity may contribute to well-being through strengthened social connectedness, while moral attentiveness may be associated with reduced well-being through rumination. In Study 2 (N = 118), a 14-day daily-diary study, moral attentiveness was associated with increased rumination at the within-person level, and some indicators of well-being showed small day-to-day fluctuations in relation to moral identity and moral attentiveness. These findings provide preliminary insights into how different forms of moral engagement may relate to well-being, emphasizing the complexity of these relationships and the importance of future research to further explore these dynamics.

Suggested Citation

  • Tamanna Taher & Chloe Goutallier & Kelly Kirkland & Brock Bastian, 2025. "The (Un)Happy Moralist? Different Methods of Moral Engagement have Opposing Implications for Wellbeing," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 26(6), pages 1-31, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:26:y:2025:i:6:d:10.1007_s10902-025-00918-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-025-00918-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kurt Wurthmann, 2013. "A Social Cognitive Perspective on the Relationships Between Ethics Education, Moral Attentiveness, and PRESOR," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 114(1), pages 131-153, April.
    2. Shao, Ruodan & Aquino, Karl & Freeman, Dan, 2008. "Beyond Moral Reasoning: A Review of Moral Identity Research and Its Implications for Business Ethics," Business Ethics Quarterly, Cambridge University Press, vol. 18(4), pages 513-540, October.
    3. repec:eme:ijoes0:ijoes-09-2021-0180 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Hussam Al Halbusi, 2022. "Who pays attention to the moral aspects? Role of organizational justice and moral attentiveness in leveraging ethical behavior," International Journal of Ethics and Systems, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 38(3), pages 357-379, January.
    5. Sonja Lyubomirsky & Heidi Lepper, 1999. "A Measure of Subjective Happiness: Preliminary Reliability and Construct Validation," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 46(2), pages 137-155, February.
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