Work

The Pleasure of Revenge Predicts Both Vengeful and Benevolent Motivations Toward the Provocateur

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Three studies (N = 860) examined whether the pleasure of revenge predicts both vengeful and benevolent motivations toward the provocateur. Across all studies, self-reported positive affect was higher, whereas self-reported negative affect was lower after an instance of revenge. Furthermore, the revenge-related positive affect predicted greater subsequent vengeful and benevolent motivations toward the provocateur (but more consistently the former). These findings replicate and extend previous research on affect-improving qualities of revenge. They allow for a more nuanced understanding of the reinforcing nature of vengeful pleasure. Moreover, they suggest that the pleasure of revenge might be harnessed to promote forgiveness.

Source: Aggressive Behavior

DOI: 10.1002/ab.70009

Authors: Karolina Dyduch‐Hazar, Blazej Mrozinski, Agnieszka Golec de Zavala

Institutions: Uniwersytet SWPS, University of London, Goldsmiths University of London

Language: English

Topic: Forgiveness and Related Behaviors

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: green

Funder: Narodowe Centrum Nauki