Effects of Alexithymia on Moral Decision-Making in Sacrificial Dilemmas: High Alexithymia is Associated with Weaker Sensitivity to Moral Norms

Abstract

Purpose Although several studies have investigated the association between alexithymia and moral decision-making in sacrificial dilemmas, the evidence remains mixed. The current work investigated this association and how alexithymia affects moral choice in such dilemmas. Methods The current research used a multinomial model (ie, CNI model) to disentangle (a) sensitivity to consequences, (b) sensitivity to moral norms, and (c) general preference for inaction versus action irrespective of consequences and norms in responses to moral dilemmas. Results Higher levels of alexithymia were associated with a greater preference for utilitarian judgments in sacrificial dilemmas (Study 1). Furthermore, individuals with high alexithymia showed significantly weaker sensitivity to moral norms than did those with low alexithymia, whereas there were no significant differences in sensitivity to consequences or a general preference for inaction versus action (Study 2). Conclusion The findings suggest that alexithymia affects moral choice in sacrificial dilemmas by blunting emotional reactions to causing harm, rather than through increased deliberative cost–benefit reasoning or general preference for inaction.

Do Adverse Childhood Experiences Make Us More Utilitarian in Moral Dilemmas?

“…Taken together, these findings suggest that individuals with a higher number of ACEs tend to exhibit more utilitarian responses, attributed to their reduced sensitivity to norms rather than heightened sensitivity to consequences or general action tendencies. 26 , 29 …”

“…However, their cognitive evaluation of outcomes and general action tendencies do not appear to be enhanced, as indicated by results concerning the C and I parameters. 26 , 29 …”

“… 30 In fact, these characteristics would reduce sensitivity to moral norms. 7 , 29 Consequently, individuals with more ACEs may exhibit reduced sensitivity to norms, possibly due to emotional deficits resulting in diminished emotional responses to harmful thoughts.…”

Cognitive and Emotional Factors in Moral Decision-Making

“…The following study further quantifies the factors that influence moral dilemma judgements. The findings suggested that, regardless of moral standards and repercussions, the influence of alexithymia on moral choice suggests that the utilitarian choice and general behavioral outcome are comparable under this circumstance [9]. The change is in the deontological choice.…”

“…The first study asked a group of volunteers to complete an electronic questionnaire for the purposes of examining whether participants with advanced alexithymia were more likely than those who did not have this disease to prefer proactive responses over deontology. Consequently, people with inability to recognize one's emotion showed a preference for responses what are useful and practical [9]. They also investigated sensitivity to moral standards and a general tendency of no actions in all outcomes and norms.…”